PEARL No. 7 | Parlor Stove Sad Iron Long Pan

Ohio Stove Co. (attr.) or Bridge, Beach & Co. | Pre-1890 | SSC Museum Collection

★ RARE GATE-MARKED STOVE ACCESSORY — 135+ YEARS OLD ★

Overview

This is a rare "PEARL" No. 7 Cast Iron Parlor Stove Sad Iron Long Pan, a specialized stove accessory dating to the pre-1890 era — making it approximately 135+ years old. This piece represents the golden age of American cast iron stove manufacturing, when ornate parlor stoves were the centerpiece of Victorian homes.

The "sad iron" long pan served multiple purposes: it could heat sad irons (flat irons) for pressing clothes, function as a warming pan for food, or serve as a shallow cooking vessel. The piece was designed to fit into the top opening of a parlor stove or cook stove, with its outer lip allowing it to rest securely on the stove's surface.

Based on extensive research by the seller, this piece has been attributed to the Ohio Stove Company (Portsmouth, Ohio, founded 1872) due to exact font matching with known Ohio Stove Co. "Pearl" stoves. However, Bridge, Beach & Company (St. Louis, founded c.1838) is also documented as producing a "Model #7 Pearl Cast Iron Parlor Stove circa 1869," making either attribution plausible.

What is a Sad Iron Long Pan?

"Sad Iron" refers to the heavy flat irons used for pressing clothes in the Victorian era. The word "sad" comes from an Old English word meaning "solid" or "heavy." These flat irons had to be heated on a stove before use.

A "Sad Iron Heater" or "Long Pan" was a specialized accessory designed to:

• Heat multiple sad irons simultaneously on a stove top

• Serve as a warming pan for food service

• Function as a shallow cooking vessel for certain preparations

• Fit into the top opening of parlor stoves or across stove eyes

The rounded ends and deeper profile distinguish sad iron heaters from long griddles, which are typically rectangular with shallow sides. Some pieces, like this one, featured hinged lids or grates (now missing on this example) to protect the irons while heating.

Manufacturer Attribution

Primary Attribution: Ohio Stove Company

• Location: Portsmouth, Ohio

• Founded: 1872

• Known For: "Buckeye" brand heating and cooking stoves

• Attribution Basis: Exact font match of "PEARL" to documented Ohio Stove Co. stoves

Alternate Attribution: Bridge, Beach & Company

• Location: St. Louis, Missouri

• Founded: c.1838 (as Empire Stove Works)

• Known For: Superior Cook Stoves, parlor stoves, waffle irons, muffin pans

• Documented: "Model #7 Pearl Cast Iron Parlor Stove circa 1869"

Historical Note: In the 19th century, hundreds of foundries produced cast iron stoves and accessories. Many used similar naming conventions ("Pearl," "Diamond," "Jewel") for their product lines, making definitive attribution challenging without additional documentation. The gate-marked construction and ornate handles place this piece firmly in the pre-1890 era, regardless of specific manufacturer.

Physical Characteristics

Markings:

• "PEARL." cast into one end

• "No 7." cast into opposite end

• Gate mark on underside (pre-1890 indicator)

Construction Features:

• Fancy ornate dual handles — decorative Victorian styling

• Four short nub feet for stability

• Outer lip designed to fit inside cast-iron cook stove openings

• Hinges present and intact for missing lid/grate

• Gate-marked — confirms pre-1890 manufacture

Measurements

Inside Dimensions:

• Depth: 1-5/8 inches

• Length: 14 inches

• Width: 6-3/4 inches

Outside Dimensions (without handles):

• Depth: 2-1/4 inches

• Length: 17-5/8 inches

• Width: 8-1/4 inches

Condition Assessment

Current State: Found Painted Condition

✅ No cracks or repairs found

✅ Hinges present and intact (no damage)

✅ Gate mark clearly visible

✅ "PEARL." and "No 7." markings legible

✅ Ornate handles intact

Condition Notes:

• Paint has spalled away in areas

• Pitting present on cooking surface and underside

• Some casting slag on underside of lip

• Original lid or grate is missing (hinges allow for future fabrication)

Restoration Considerations

SSC is evaluating this item to determine whether it should be restored or left with original patina.

Restorers and collectors are sometimes reluctant to strip cast iron items to bare metal, even when the existing patina may not be perfect. There are valid arguments on both sides of this debate:

Arguments for Preservation (Keeping Original Patina):

• Historical Authenticity: Original finishes — even imperfect ones — tell the story of the piece's 135+ years of existence

• Irreplaceable Character: Once stripped, the original surface character is permanently lost

• Museum Standards: Many museums and advanced collectors prefer original condition for artifacts of this age

• Provenance Value: Original finishes can help authenticate age and origin

Arguments for Restoration:

• Aesthetic Appeal: A properly restored piece can reveal the beauty of the original castwork

• Functional Use: Restoration enables safe cooking use (if desired)

• Preservation: Proper seasoning protects the iron from future deterioration

• Display Quality: Restored pieces often present better for display purposes

SSC Philosophy: For pieces of this age and rarity (135+ years), Steve's Seasoned Classics generally favors preservation of original character over aggressive restoration. The existing paint, patina, and surface evidence — while imperfect — represent authentic history that cannot be recreated once removed. This approach aligns with museum conservation standards that prioritize authenticity over cosmetic perfection.

Current Status: UNDER EVALUATION — Pending final decision on restoration approach

Historical Context

The Victorian Stove Era: The mid-to-late 1800s represented the golden age of American cast iron stove manufacturing. Parlor stoves were not merely functional heating devices — they were ornate pieces of furniture designed to be the centerpiece of Victorian living rooms. Manufacturers competed to create the most elaborate and beautiful designs.

Gate Mark Significance: The gate mark on this piece is a key dating indicator. Gate marks were created by the pouring channel (gate) in early sand-casting methods. This technique was largely replaced by bottom-pour methods around 1890. The presence of a gate mark confirms this piece predates 1890.

Ohio Stove Company History: Founded in 1872 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the Ohio Stove Company became known for its "Buckeye" brand of heating and cooking stoves. The company survived the decline of the stove industry by transitioning to commercial castings in 1953. It continues today as OSCO Industries, Inc., making it one of the oldest continuously operating foundries in Ohio.

Bridge, Beach & Company History: Founded c.1838 in St. Louis by Hudson Erastus Bridge as Empire Stove Works, the company became Bridge, Beach & Co. in 1857 and later Bridge & Beach Manufacturing Company in 1879. They produced parlor stoves, cook stoves, waffle irons, and muffin pans, including the documented "Model #7 Pearl Cast Iron Parlor Stove circa 1869."

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-OSC-SIP-07-GM-001

Inventory Name

Catalog Code Key

• SSC: Steve's Seasoned Classics

• OSC: Ohio Stove Company (attributed)

• SIP: Sad Iron Pan

• 07: Size No. 7

• GM: Gate Marked

• 001: First specimen

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

This Pearl No. 7 Sad Iron Long Pan adds a new dimension to the SSC collection — a rare stove accessory that predates nearly every other piece in the collection. At 135+ years old, it represents the earliest era of American cast iron manufacturing documented in SSC holdings.

Collection Significance:

• Oldest Piece: Pre-1890 dating makes this likely the oldest item in the SSC collection

• Ohio Heritage: Attributed to Ohio Stove Company, expanding SSC's Ohio foundry representation

• Rare Form: Sad iron heaters/long pans are uncommon in the collector market

• Victorian Era: Documents the golden age of American stove manufacturing

• Gate Marked: Authentic pre-1890 construction verified by casting method

Preservation Statement

Preserved as a rare example of Victorian-era cast iron craftsmanship, this Pearl No. 7 Sad Iron Long Pan represents the golden age of American stove manufacturing. Dating to before 1890 — confirmed by its gate-marked construction — this piece has survived approximately 135 years, bearing witness to the transition from hearth cooking to the cast iron stove era. The ornate dual handles reflect the Victorian aesthetic that demanded beauty even in utilitarian objects. Whether manufactured by Ohio Stove Company in Portsmouth or Bridge, Beach & Company in St. Louis, this piece embodies the craftsmanship of foundries that built America's industrial infrastructure. SSC is evaluating the appropriate preservation approach, weighing the value of original patina against the benefits of careful restoration. Regardless of the final decision, this artifact will be preserved as a testament to 19th-century American manufacturing excellence.