Favorite Piqua Ware | Skillet | No. 6 | Smiley Logo

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

★ SECOND RAREST SIZE — PREMIUM COLLECTOR ACQUISITION ★

Overview

This is an authenticated Favorite Piqua Ware No. 6 Skillet featuring the famous "Smiley" Logo. The #6 size is the SECOND RAREST SIZE in the entire Smiley Logo skillet series — only the elusive #13 is harder to find.

Manufactured between 1916 and 1934, this skillet represents approximately 90–100+ years of American cast iron history. Its scarcity commands a premium among serious Favorite Piqua Ware collectors, and finding an authenticated example in good condition is a significant achievement.

This acquisition completes a remarkable four-piece run in the SSC collection: #5, #6, #7, and #8 Smiley Logo skillets — an impressive representation of this beloved Ohio foundry's most popular logo variant.

Rarity Significance

The #6 holds special status in Favorite Piqua Ware collecting:

• #13: Hardest to find (most rare)

• #6: SECOND HARDEST TO FIND ← THIS PIECE

• #7: "One of the tougher ones to find"

• #5: Less common than #8

• #8: Most commonly found

Why the #6 is Scarce: The #6 occupies an awkward middle ground in skillet sizing — larger than the small #5 but smaller than the versatile #7 and #8. This "in-between" size was likely produced in smaller quantities, as consumers typically chose either smaller or larger options. Combined with normal attrition over 90–100 years, surviving #6 examples are genuinely scarce.

Price Justification: The premium price ($311.43) reflects the genuine scarcity of this size. Collectors seeking complete Smiley Logo sets must compete for the few #6 examples that come to market, driving prices well above more common sizes.

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 "6" marking present

✅ 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

✅ Professional restoration evident — well-seasoned, ready to use

Identification & Markings

Maker: Favorite Stove & Range Company

Location: Piqua, Ohio

Item Type: Skillet

Size: No. 6 (second rarest in Smiley Logo series)

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

• "6" (size number)

• Heat ring around bottom perimeter

Measurements (Typical for No. 6)

• Diameter (spout to spout): ~9 inches

• Cooking Surface: ~7 inches

• Depth: ~1 1/2 inches

• Weight: Very light — characteristic of Favorite Piqua

Historical Context

Favorite Stove & Range Company: Founded in 1887 in Piqua, Ohio (Miami County), descended from W.C. Davis Co. (established 1848 in Cincinnati). The foundry produced high-quality cast iron cookware until closing in 1935. Known for lightweight construction and smooth cooking surfaces comparable to Griswold and Wagner.

The Smiley Logo: The most popular and recognizable Favorite Piqua Ware marking. The curved embellishment beneath "FAVORITE PIQUA WARE" resembles a smile, earning this logo its affectionate name among collectors. Produced c. 1916–1934.

The Foundry's End: The Favorite Stove & Range Company closed in 1935 during the Great Depression. Patents, tooling, and trademarks were sold to Foster Stove Company of Ironton, Ohio, while cookware patterns went to Chicago Hardware Foundry. This finite production period contributes to the scarcity of all Favorite Piqua Ware pieces today.

Condition Summary

Based on images:

✅ Smiley Logo clearly visible and legible

✅ Heat ring intact

✅ Size "6" marking present

✅ Smooth, well-seasoned cooking surface

✅ Professional restoration evident

✅ Ready for cooking or display

✅ Authentic 90–100+ year old artifact

Care & Use Notes

• Excellent for daily cooking — lightweight and easy to handle

• Practical mid-size for individual portions or small family servings

• Clean with hot water and brush — minimal soap

• Dry immediately and apply light oil

• Given rarity and value, display may be preferred to preserve condition

• Consider for insurance documentation given significant value

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

This Favorite Piqua Ware #6 Smiley Logo Skillet is the crown jewel of the SSC Favorite Piqua Ware collection. As the second rarest size in the entire Smiley Logo series, it represents both collector achievement and historical significance.

With this acquisition, the SSC collection now holds four consecutive sizes (#5, #6, #7, #8) of Smiley Logo skillets — a comprehensive representation of this beloved Ohio foundry's most popular logo variant. Only the ultra-rare #13 would be a more significant addition.

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-FPW-SKL-06-SMLY-001

Inventory Name

Catalog Code Key

• SSC: Steve's Seasoned Classics

• FPW: Favorite Piqua Ware

• SKL: Skillet

• 06: Size No. 6

• SMLY: Smiley Logo

• 001: First specimen

SSC Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo Collection

With this acquisition, the SSC collection now includes four Favorite Piqua Ware Smiley Logo skillets — a comprehensive set of consecutive sizes:

• #5 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)

• #6 Smiley Logo (SECOND RAREST): — THIS PIECE

• #7 Smiley Logo (Double Dot)

• #8 Smiley Logo (Pattern B)

Sizes in Collection: #5, #6, #7, #8 (four consecutive sizes)

Collection Status: Only the #13 (rarest) would be a more significant addition to this collection.

Preservation Statement

Preserved as the crown jewel of the SSC Favorite Piqua Ware collection, this No. 6 Skillet represents the second rarest size in the entire Smiley Logo series — only the elusive #13 is harder to find. 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 completes a remarkable four-piece run (#5, #6, #7, #8) documenting the Favorite Stove & Range Company's most beloved logo variant. The premium acquisition price reflects genuine market scarcity — collectors seeking complete sets must compete for the few #6 examples that surface. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this rare artifact of Ohio's rich cast iron heritage.