Favorite Piqua Ware | Skillet | No. 7 | Smiley Logo | Double Dot Marking

Favorite Stove & Range Company | Piqua, Ohio | c. 1916–1935 | SSC Museum Collection

★ HARDER TO FIND SIZE — BELOVED "SMILEY" LOGO FROM OHIO FOUNDRY ★

Overview

This is a Favorite Piqua Ware No. 7 Cast Iron Skillet featuring the beloved "Smiley" logo and double dot maker's marking. Made by the Favorite Stove & Range Company of Piqua, Ohio, this skillet represents one of the quality regional foundries that competed with Griswold and Wagner during the golden age of American cast iron production.

The No. 7 size is noted as "one of the tougher ones to find in this series" according to specialist dealers, making this a notable acquisition for the SSC collection.

This piece was professionally restored by Cast & Clara Bell and will be preserved to Steve's Seasoned Classics museum standards.

The "Smiley" Logo

The "Smiley" logo is the most recognized and collected Favorite Piqua Ware marking. It features:

• "FAVORITE" in an arc at the top

• "PIQUA WARE" in smaller text below

• A curved embellishment underneath the text — the "smile" that gives the logo its nickname

• Thin, elegant lettering style

The Smiley logo is not as scarce as other Favorite logos but remains highly sought after by collectors who appreciate its distinctive, friendly appearance. It was produced during the period c. 1916–1935.

The Double Dot Marking

The double dot marking on this skillet is a maker's mark or production indicator. Such markings served various purposes in cast iron foundries:

• Shift Identification: Some collectors believe these marks indicated which shift team cast the piece

• Pattern Tracking: Marks helped foundries track which patterns were in use

• Quality Control: Allowed tracing of any issues back to specific production runs

• Pattern Variants: Different dots or letters (like "A", "B", "H") indicated pattern variations

These small details add character and help document the piece's production history.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Favorite Stove & Range Company (Piqua, Ohio)

Brand: Favorite Piqua Ware

Item Type: Cast Iron Skillet

Size: No. 7

Logo: "Smiley" Logo (curved embellishment under text)

Special Marking: Double dot maker's mark

Era: c. 1916–1935

Origin: Piqua, Ohio

Heat Ring: Yes (typical of this era)

Restoration: Professionally restored by Cast & Clara Bell

Measurements (Typical for No. 7)

• Diameter (spout to spout): ~9 1/2"

• Overall Length: ~13"–14" including handle

• Depth: ~1 3/4"–2"

• Weight: Light for size (characteristic of Favorite Piqua Ware)

Historical Context

The Favorite Stove & Range Company: Founded in 1887 in Piqua, Ohio, the Favorite Stove & Range Company became a significant regional manufacturer of cast iron cookware and stoves. Located in southwestern Ohio, the company was named for the Miami tribe indigenous to the area.

Quality and Value: Favorite Piqua Ware is known for smooth cooking surfaces and lightweight construction comparable to Griswold and Wagner. However, pieces are typically more affordable than those major brands, making them excellent choices for collectors seeking quality vintage cast iron at reasonable prices.

Related Brands: The Favorite foundry also produced:

• Miami: Economy line with diamond logo (similar to Griswold's Victor or Wagner's National)

• Puritan: Private label line made for Sears Roebuck

Ohio Cast Iron Heritage: Piqua, Ohio was part of the broader Ohio cast iron manufacturing region that included Sidney (Wagner) and other foundries. This skillet adds to the SSC collection's strong Ohio representation alongside Wapak, Ahrens & Arnold, and Wagner pieces.

Condition Summary (SSC Museum Grade)

Per seller description and professional restoration:

✅ Professionally restored by Cast & Clara Bell

✅ Seasoned three times with oil blend

✅ Ready to use or display

✅ Sits flat on any surface

✅ Smiley logo clearly visible

✅ Double dot marking present

✅ Heat ring intact

✅ Light and easy to use

Cooking & Collector Value

As a User: Favorite Piqua Ware skillets are highly regarded for their smooth cooking surfaces and light weight. The professional restoration by Cast & Clara Bell means this piece is ready for immediate kitchen use. The No. 7 size is versatile — large enough for most tasks but lighter than the common #8.

As a Collectible: The No. 7 size is noted as harder to find than other sizes in the Favorite Piqua Ware line. The combination of the Smiley logo with the double dot marking adds character and documentation value. This piece represents quality regional Ohio cast iron at its best.

Care & Use Notes

• Ready to cook — no additional preparation needed

• Preheat gradually for best results

• Use oils, butter, or cooking fats to maintain seasoning

• Clean with hot water and brush — minimal soap

• Dry immediately and apply light oil after each use

• Cooking surface will continue to improve with use

• Store in dry location

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

The Favorite Piqua Ware No. 7 Skillet expands the SSC collection's representation of Ohio cast iron heritage. Combined with Wapak (Indian Head), Ahrens & Arnold, and Wagner pieces, this Piqua skillet helps document the broader ecosystem of quality foundries that made Ohio a center of American cast iron production.

The "Smiley" logo represents one of the most charming designs in vintage cast iron — a small artistic touch that distinguishes Favorite from its competitors. The double dot marking adds a layer of production history that connects this piece to the workers and processes of a century ago.

Purchased from Cast & Clara Bell, a respected restorer of vintage cast iron, this piece arrives ready for either active kitchen use or proud display — embodying the SSC philosophy of "preservation through use."

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-FPW-SKL-07-SMLY-DD-001

Inventory Name

Seller Notes

From Cast & Clara Bell: "A one of a kind skillet for your gourmet kitchen! 1930's Favorite Piqua's famous "Smiley" logo, #7 vintage skillet with the double dot makers mark. What is not to love about these classic skillets? Light and easy to use in the kitchen and a great item to proudly display. The #7 is one of the tougher ones to find in this series. Great for collectors and home chef's alike. This pan has been fully restored and seasoned three times with our oil blend. Ready to use or to add to your collection. Sits flat on any surface."

SSC Ohio Cast Iron Collection

This piece joins the growing SSC representation of Ohio-made cast iron:

• Wagner (Sidney, Ohio): Multiple waffle irons, skillets

• Wapak (Wapakoneta, Ohio): Indian Head No. 3 Skillet

• Ahrens & Arnold (Wapakoneta, Ohio): No. 3 Skillet with ghost marks

• Favorite Piqua Ware (Piqua, Ohio): No. 7 Smiley Logo Skillet (THIS PIECE)

Preservation Statement

Preserved as a museum-quality specimen of Ohio's regional cast iron heritage, this Favorite Piqua Ware No. 7 Skillet with the beloved "Smiley" logo and double dot marking represents the quality craftsmanship of the Favorite Stove & Range Company of Piqua, Ohio. Professionally restored by Cast & Clara Bell and ready for either active cooking or proud display, this harder-to-find size exemplifies the SSC philosophy that vintage cast iron was made to be used and appreciated. The distinctive curved embellishment that gives the Smiley logo its name adds a touch of artistry to functional kitchenware — a small detail that continues to charm collectors nearly a century after its creation. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this delightful artifact of American cast iron history.