Wagner | Waffle Iron | No. 8 | Round | Tall Base | Pat. 1892 | Original

Wagner Mfg. Co. | Sidney, Ohio | c. 1892–1900s | Original Patina Preservation

★ FOUNDING ERA WAGNER — CLASSIC ROUND DESIGN WITH ORIGINAL WOOD HANDLES ★

Overview

This is a Wagner No. 8 Round Waffle Iron with Tall Base Stand bearing the 1892 patent date — representing the traditional round form that was Wagner's standard waffle iron design. The round configuration was the most commonly produced style, featuring the classic American waffle pattern with small square nubs. Combined with the tall/high base designed for wood-burning stoves, this represents Wagner's earliest waffle iron production.

This piece retains its original wood handles and original patina — remarkable survivals after more than 130 years. As with the companion square 1892 waffle iron in the SSC collection, the decision has been made to preserve this piece in its original, as-found condition rather than restore it.

This piece will be preserved to Steve's Seasoned Classics standards in its original state as part of the permanent SSC archive.

Collection Note: Round vs. Square 1892 Wagner Waffle Irons

The SSC collection now includes both configurations of the 1892 patent Wagner waffle iron — the round (this piece) and the square (SSC-WAG-WFL-00-1892-TB-OWH-001). This pairing provides comprehensive documentation of Wagner's earliest waffle iron production.

Relative Rarity Assessment:

• Square 1892 Wagner: Significantly rarer. Collector forums note the square version as extremely uncommon, with one collector stating "outside of the blue book I basically can't seem to find any record of it existing." The square configuration was produced in smaller numbers.

• Round 1892 Wagner: More commonly found but still early and desirable. The round form was Wagner's standard production design for waffle irons. While more frequently encountered than square examples, round 1892 pieces with original handles and complete tall bases remain uncommon finds.

Collector Significance: Having both configurations allows the SSC collection to document Wagner's full 1892 waffle iron range — a comprehensive representation that most collections lack. The square piece holds higher individual rarity value; the round piece represents the more typical production while remaining a founding-era artifact.

Preservation Philosophy: Original Condition

This piece will be left in its original condition. The original wood handles, original patina, and original surface character will be preserved rather than restored. This decision maintains consistency with the square 1892 waffle iron and reflects the SSC philosophy that founding-era pieces possess irreplaceable authenticity.

Rationale for Original Preservation:

• Historical Integrity: Original wood handles from the 1890s cannot be replicated

• Patina Value: 130+ years of honest wear documents the piece's history

• Collection Consistency: Both 1892 waffle irons preserved in same original state

• Museum Standards: Original condition is preferred for founding-era artifacts

• Authenticity: Restoration erases character that cannot be recreated

Identification & Markings

Maker: Wagner Manufacturing Company (Sidney, Ohio)

Item Type: Stovetop Waffle Iron with Tall Base Stand

Size: No. 8

Configuration: Round (traditional design)

Patent Date: 1892 (stamped on piece)

Era: c. 1892–early 1900s (first-generation Wagner production)

Origin: Sidney, Ohio

Handles: Original wood (preserved)

Condition: Original patina (preserved)

Form/Features:

• Round paddle design (Wagner's standard form)

• Tall/high base stand (wood-burning stove era)

• Original turned wood handles

• Ball hinge mechanism

• American-style waffle pattern (small square nubs)

Measurements (Typical for No. 8 Round)

• Paddle Diameter: ~8"

• Base Height: ~4" (tall/high base style)

• Base Top Rim: ~8" outer diameter

• Overall Length (handle to handle): ~16"–18"

Historical Context

Wagner's Round Waffle Iron Design: The round configuration was the standard form for American waffle irons throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This shape accommodated the circular stove eye openings of wood-burning cook stoves, the dominant kitchen appliance when Wagner began production in 1891. The No. 8 size was designed for 8-inch stove eye openings, with some models marked "8 & 9" to indicate compatibility with multiple sizes.

The 1892 Patent: Wagner registered their first waffle iron patent in 1892, covering an innovative hinge design by R.O. Bingham, the company's superintendent. This patent established Wagner as an innovator in waffle iron technology from the company's founding years. Bingham would prove prolific, with his name appearing on four additional waffle iron patents for Wagner.

Production Context: When this waffle iron was manufactured, Wagner had only been in business for a year or two. The company had opened in June 1891 with 20 employees and was rapidly expanding — within three months they employed 41 men and were melting 9,200 pounds of iron daily. This piece represents the very beginning of what would become one of America's most respected cast iron manufacturers.

Condition Summary (Original Preservation)

This piece is being preserved in original, as-found condition:

✅ Original wood handles intact

✅ Original patina preserved

✅ 1892 patent date visible

✅ Tall base stand complete

✅ Round paddles complete and matched

✅ Hinge mechanism functional

✅ No restoration — intentionally preserved as-is

✅ Excellent candidate for display preservation

Collector & Display Value

As an original-condition piece with 1892 patent date and original wood handles, this waffle iron is primarily a display and collection piece. Its value includes:

• Founding Era Significance: First-generation Wagner production (company founded 1891)

• Classic Form: Traditional round design represents standard American production

• Collection Pairing: Complements the rarer square 1892 Wagner in SSC collection

• Original Completeness: Handles, base, and paddles all original

• Authentic Patina: 130+ years of honest age character

Using this piece for cooking is not recommended — the original wood handles should not be subjected to heat stress, and the authentic patina represents irreplaceable historical character.

Preservation Plan (Original Condition)

This piece will be preserved in original condition under SSC protocols:

• NO stripping or restoration

• NO seasoning application

• NO handle replacement

• Gentle cleaning only if needed (dry cloth, soft brush)

• Light protective oil on bare metal surfaces only

• Full photographic documentation

• Climate-controlled display storage

• Archive in SSC permanent collection records

Care & Display Notes

• DISPLAY ONLY — not for cooking use

• Keep in climate-controlled environment

• Avoid direct sunlight (protects wood handles)

• Handle wood with care — do not stress or flex

• Light dusting only — avoid moisture on wood

• If displayed, use stable base to prevent tipping

• Document any changes in condition for archive records

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

The Wagner No. 8 Round 1892 Waffle Iron completes the SSC's documentation of Wagner's earliest waffle iron production. Together with the rarer square version (SSC-WAG-WFL-00-1892-TB-OWH-001), this round piece provides comprehensive coverage of the 1892 patent line — a pairing that few collections can match.

While the square configuration holds higher individual rarity, the round version represents what typical Wagner production looked like during the company's founding years. This is the form that most 1890s households would have owned — the everyday workhorse that made Sunday morning waffles for American families when Wagner was just getting started.

Preserving both configurations in original condition — with original handles and authentic patina — creates a museum-quality founding-era representation that honors the craft and history of early American cast iron manufacturing.

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-WAG-WFL-08-1892-TB-RND-OWH-001

Inventory Name

Related Piece

SSC-WAG-WFL-00-1892-TB-OWH-001 — Wagner Square Waffle Iron, Pat. July 1892, Tall Base, Original Wood Handles (companion piece)

Collection Reference

This piece is part of the Steve's Seasoned Classics Founding Era Collection. Designated for original-condition preservation alongside its square-configuration companion.

Preservation Statement

Preserved in original, unrestored condition as a museum-quality specimen of Wagner's founding era, this No. 8 Round Waffle Iron with Tall Base and 1892 patent date represents the standard American waffle iron form from one of the country's greatest cast iron manufacturers. Retaining its original turned wood handles and authentic 130+ year patina, this piece will be maintained in its as-found state alongside its rarer square-configuration companion — together documenting the full range of Wagner's earliest waffle iron production. Steve's Seasoned Classics is honored to preserve this exceptional artifact of American kitchen history.