Wagner | Waffle Iron | No. 8 | Low Base | Pat. Feb. 22, 1910 | Wood Handles

Wagner Mfg. Co. | Sidney, Ohio | c. 1910–1920s | SSC Museum Collection

★ TRANSITIONAL ERA DESIGN — LOW BASE FOR GAS STOVE COMPATIBILITY ★

Overview

This is a Wagner No. 8 Waffle Iron bearing the February 22, 1910 patent date with a low base and wood handles. The 1910 patent represented Wagner's second-generation waffle iron design, incorporating improvements to the hinge mechanism over the original 1892 patent. The low base design reflects the era's transition from wood-burning to gas stoves, which required shorter bases to clear burner grates.

This piece complements the SSC collection's two 1892 patent Wagner waffle irons (tall base square and tall base round), documenting the evolution of Wagner's waffle iron design over nearly two decades of production.

This piece will be preserved to Steve's Seasoned Classics museum standards and documented as part of the permanent SSC archive.

Base Authentication Analysis

Evidence Supporting Originality:

• No Markings is Normal: Research confirms that 1910-era Wagner waffle iron bases typically have no pattern numbers or markings. One documented example notes: "Base does not have a pattern number on it or any markings of any kind." This is consistent with Wagner's practice before they began using catalog numbers (c. 1924).

• Low Profile Design: The short/low base style is appropriate for 1910-era production when gas stoves were becoming prevalent. Tall bases were for wood-burning stoves; low bases accommodated gas burner grates.

• Ball Hinge Compatibility: The 1910 waffle iron has a specific ball hinge size that differs from later 1925 models. Research indicates "The 1910 is a larger ball opening compared to the 1408/1925." If this base fits the paddles properly, it confirms era-appropriate matching.

• Construction Style: The base construction matches documented period examples for 1910-era Wagner production.

• Patina Consistency: The aging and wear patterns on base and paddles appear consistent with pieces that have been together for over a century.

Wagner Waffle Iron Evolution in SSC Collection

The SSC collection now documents Wagner's waffle iron development across multiple patent generations:

1892 Patent Era (Founding Generation):

• SSC-WAG-WFL-00-1892-TB-OWH-001 — Square, Tall Base, Original Handles (RARER)

• SSC-WAG-WFL-08-1892-TB-RND-OWH-001 — Round No. 8, Tall Base, Original Handles

1910 Patent Era (Second Generation):

• SSC-WAG-WFL-08-1910-LB-001 — Round No. 8, Low Base, Wood Handles (THIS PIECE)

Significance: This collection progression shows Wagner's evolution from the founding-era tall base designs (for wood stoves) to the transitional low base designs (for gas stoves), documenting nearly 20 years of American kitchen technology change.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Wagner Manufacturing Company (Sidney, Ohio)

Marking: "WAGNER MFG. CO SIDNEY O"

Item Type: Stovetop Waffle Iron with Low Base Stand

Size: No. 8

Configuration: Round (standard design)

Patent Date: February 22, 1910 (stamped on paddles)

Base Type: Low base (gas stove era)

Era: c. 1910–1920s

Origin: Sidney, Ohio

Handles: Wood

Form/Features:

• Round paddle design

• Low/short base stand (gas stove compatible)

• Wood handles

• Ball hinge mechanism (1910 patent design)

• American-style waffle pattern

Measurements (Typical for No. 8)

• Paddle Diameter: ~7 1/2" – 7 9/16" (1910 era sizing)

• Base Height: ~2"–3" (low base design)

• Overall Length: ~16" handle to handle

Historical Context

The February 22, 1910 Patent: The 1910 patent represented Wagner's second-generation waffle iron design. According to collector research, "the difference between the patents is supposed to have something to do with the design of the shoulder at the ball hinge." This refined hinge mechanism improved on the original 1892 design while maintaining the fundamental rotating paddle approach.

The Transition to Low Bases: By 1910, gas stoves were becoming common in American kitchens. The original tall/high base waffle irons were designed for wood-burning stoves with open eye holes. Gas stoves with burner grates required shorter bases to allow the waffle iron to clear the grate while still capturing heat. The low base design on this piece reflects this technological transition.

Production Timeline: Wagner began using catalog numbers on pieces around 1924. Waffle irons with catalog numbers (like 1408 for the 1925 model) date from 1924 or later. Pieces with only patent dates and no catalog numbers — like this 1910 waffle iron — were produced before the numbering system was implemented, making them earlier examples.

Size Variations: Research indicates slight size differences between 1910 and 1925 models — "the earliest #8's were 7-1/2" diameter and the ones right before they started using catalog numbers were 7-9/16"." The 1910 also has a larger ball hinge opening than the 1925, making the two generations not fully interchangeable.

Condition Summary (SSC Museum Grade)

Based on seller description and visual inspection:

✅ Complete set — paddles and base present

✅ Wood handles intact

✅ 1910 patent date visible

✅ Wagner Mfg. Co. Sidney O marking present

✅ Low base appears original to piece

✅ Ball hinge mechanism functional

✅ Good candidate for restoration and potential use

Cooking & Collector Value

The Wagner 1910 waffle iron is well-regarded by both collectors and users. Research indicates that "The 1910 makes great waffles" and these pieces are actively used by cast iron enthusiasts. The low base design makes this piece:

• More practical for modern stoves than tall-base 1892 models

• Compatible with gas stovetops (original intended use)

• Usable on electric stoves with care

• Excellent for display as a transitional-era artifact

Unlike the 1892 pieces which are preserved in original condition for their founding-era significance, this 1910 piece could be restored for active cooking use if desired.

Restoration Plan (SSC Process)

This piece will be assessed for potential restoration:

• Evaluate current condition of paddles and base

• Assess wood handle condition and stability

• Verify ball hinge fit and function

• Clean and season paddles if restoration is elected

• Full photographic documentation

• Archive in SSC permanent collection records

Care & Use Notes

• Low base design suitable for gas stovetops

• Can be used on electric stove with careful placement

• Preheat gradually to protect wood handles from sudden heat

• Rotate paddles periodically during cooking for even browning

• Season paddles with light oil after each use

• Store in dry location to protect wood handles

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

The Wagner 1910 No. 8 Waffle Iron with Low Base documents the technological transition in American kitchens from wood-burning to gas stoves. When paired with the SSC's two 1892 tall-base waffle irons, this piece creates a comprehensive timeline of Wagner's waffle iron evolution — from the founding era through the transitional period.

The 1892 pieces in the collection are being preserved in original, unrestored condition for their historical significance. This 1910 piece — while still valuable — represents a more practical era of production and could be restored for active use, demonstrating the SSC philosophy that different pieces warrant different preservation approaches based on their rarity and significance.

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-WAG-WFL-08-1910-LB-001

Inventory Name

Related Pieces

• SSC-WAG-WFL-00-1892-TB-OWH-001 — Square 1892, Tall Base (founding era, rarer)

• SSC-WAG-WFL-08-1892-TB-RND-OWH-001 — Round 1892, Tall Base (founding era)

Collection Reference

This piece is part of the Steve's Seasoned Classics Wagner Waffle Iron Collection, documenting the evolution of Wagner's waffle iron designs from 1892 through 1910.

Preservation Statement

Preserved as a museum-quality specimen of Wagner's transitional-era waffle iron production, this No. 8 Low Base Waffle Iron with February 22, 1910 patent date documents the American kitchen's evolution from wood to gas stoves. The low base design — necessitated by the rise of gas burner grates — marks a significant technological transition that would define waffle iron design for decades. Combined with the SSC's founding-era 1892 Wagner waffle irons, this piece completes a comprehensive timeline of Wagner's waffle iron innovation. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this important transitional artifact.