Favorite Piqua Ware | Skillet | No. 8 | Smiley Logo | Pattern B

Favorite Stove & Range Co. | Piqua, Ohio | c. 1916–1934 | SSC Museum Collection

★ AUTHENTICATED SMILEY LOGO — OHIO CAST IRON HERITAGE ★

Overview

This is an authenticated Favorite Piqua Ware No. 8 Skillet featuring the famous "Smiley" Logo — the most recognized and beloved marking from the Favorite Stove & Range Company of Piqua, Ohio. The Smiley Logo is named for the distinctive curved embellishment beneath the "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" text that resembles a smile.

Manufactured between 1916 and 1934, this skillet represents approximately 90–100+ years of American cast iron history. Favorite Piqua Ware is known for quality comparable to Griswold and Wagner but at more accessible price points, making it a favorite among collectors and users alike.

The "B" pattern letter indicates which mold was used in production — a standard foundry practice for quality control that helps authenticate vintage pieces.

Authentication Analysis

This piece has been verified as an authentic Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillet based on the following characteristics:

✅ "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" text in arc — correct placement and font

✅ Curved "smiley" embellishment below text — the defining characteristic

✅ Thinner lettering style — distinguishes Smiley from earlier Block Logo

✅ Size number "8" present

✅ Pattern letter "B" — standard mold identification

✅ Heat ring present — confirms pre-1935 manufacture

✅ Smooth machined cooking surface — Favorite quality standard

✅ No markings on cooking surface — correct for Favorite pieces

✅ Two opposing pour spouts

✅ Lightweight construction — characteristic of quality Ohio foundries

The Smiley Logo: A Collector Favorite

The Smiley Logo is the most popular and recognizable marking from Favorite Stove & Range Company. Key characteristics:

• Curved Embellishment: A decorative curved line beneath "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" that resembles a smile

• Thinner Lettering: More refined font than the earlier Block Logo

• Production Period: c. 1916–1934

• Collector Appeal: The friendly "smile" makes this logo particularly popular with collectors

Logo Evolution: Favorite used approximately eight different logos during production. The Smiley Logo is more common than some variants but remains highly collectible due to its distinctive and appealing design.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Favorite Stove & Range Company

Location: Piqua, Ohio

Item Type: Skillet

Size: No. 8

Pattern Letter: B (mold identification)

Logo Type: Smiley Logo (curved embellishment)

Heat Ring: Yes

Era: c. 1916–1934 (approximately 90–100+ years old)

Bottom Markings:

• "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" (in arc)

• Curved "smiley" embellishment

• "8" (size number)

• "B" (pattern letter)

• Heat ring around bottom perimeter

Measurements (Typical for No. 8)

• Diameter (spout to spout): ~10 7/8 inches

• Overall Length: ~15 inches (including handle)

• Depth: ~2 inches

• Weight: ~3.5 pounds (lightweight for size)

Historical Context

Favorite Stove & Range Company: Founded in 1887 in Piqua, Ohio (Miami County), the company descended from W.C. Davis Co., established in Cincinnati in 1848. The foundry produced high-quality cast iron cookware until closing in 1935, when patents and tooling were sold to Foster Stove Company and Chicago Hardware Foundry.

Product Lines: Favorite Stove & Range produced three cookware lines:

• Favorite Piqua Ware: Premium line with full markings

• Miami: Budget-friendly line with diamond logo

• Puritan: Private label made for Sears Roebuck

Quality & Value: Favorite Piqua Ware is known for smooth cooking surfaces and lightweight construction comparable to Griswold and Wagner, but typically available at lower prices. This makes it an excellent choice for collectors seeking quality vintage cast iron without premium brand pricing.

Condition Summary

Per seller listing ("No Wobble No warp"):

✅ Sits flat — no wobble, no warp

✅ Smiley Logo clearly visible and legible

✅ Heat ring intact

✅ Size "8" and pattern "B" markings present

✅ Smooth cooking surface

✅ Authentic 90–100+ year old artifact

Care & Use Notes

• Excellent for daily cooking — Favorite Piqua known for smooth, lightweight performance

• Season with preferred oil/fat if needed

• Clean with hot water and brush — minimal soap

• Dry immediately and apply light oil

• Also excellent as display piece given age and collector appeal

• Lightweight design makes it easy to handle

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

This Favorite Piqua Ware #8 Smiley Logo Skillet joins the Favorite Piqua Ware #7 Smiley Logo Skillet already in the SSC collection, expanding the Ohio Heritage Collection representation of this important Piqua foundry.

SSC Ohio Cast Iron Heritage Collection:

• Wagner (Sidney): Waffle irons, skillets — multiple pieces

• Wapak (Wapakoneta): Indian Head #3

• Ahrens & Arnold (Wapakoneta): #3 with ghost marks

• Favorite Piqua Ware (Piqua): #7 Smiley Logo + #8 Smiley Logo (THIS PIECE)

• Canton Griddle Co. (Canton): 1898 Flipper Griddle

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-FPW-SKL-08-SMLY-B-001

Inventory Name

Catalog Code Key

• SSC: Steve's Seasoned Classics

• FPW: Favorite Piqua Ware

• SKL: Skillet

• 08: Size No. 8

• SMLY: Smiley Logo

• B: Pattern letter B

• 001: First specimen

Related SSC Piece

• SSC-FPW-SKL-07-SMLY-DD-001: Favorite Piqua Ware #7 Smiley Logo, Double Dot Marking

SSC Favorite Piqua Ware Collection

With this acquisition, the SSC collection now includes two Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillets:

• #7 Smiley Logo (Double Dot): — noted as "one of the tougher ones to find"

• #8 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)

Preservation Statement

Preserved as an authenticated example of Favorite Piqua Ware's beloved Smiley Logo, this No. 8 Skillet represents the craftsmanship of one of Ohio's finest cast iron foundries. The distinctive curved embellishment beneath "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" — the feature that gives this logo its name — remains clearly visible after approximately 90–100 years. Manufactured in Piqua, Ohio between 1916 and 1934, this skillet joins its companion #7 Smiley Logo in documenting the Favorite Stove & Range Company's contribution to American cast iron history. The pattern letter "B" provides a direct link to the specific mold that created this piece nearly a century ago. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this artifact of Ohio's rich cast iron heritage.