Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 3 Cast Iron Skillet (1063H)
Stylized Logo Era | Smooth Finish | Double Pour Spouts | SSC Museum Restoration
Overview: The Smallest of the Greats
The Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 3 cast iron skillet, pattern 1063H, is a finely crafted example of American cast iron cookware in its most compact form. Despite its modest 6 ½ inch diameter, this skillet features all the hallmarks of Wagner’s peak production era—crisp stylized logo, precision machining, and balanced casting. It’s a miniature representation of the same craftsmanship found in its much larger siblings, making it a favorite among both collectors and users.
Originally designed for single servings, warming, or stovetop-to-table presentation, the No. 3 was also a popular household utility pan—ideal for melting butter, cooking a single egg, or preparing baby food. Today, it's cherished for its charm, display appeal, and rarity in fully intact condition.
Wagner Manufacturing: Big Ideas in Small Sizes
Founded in 1891 in Sidney, Ohio, the Wagner Manufacturing Company quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, lightweight, and smooth-finished cookware. The stylized Wagner Ware Sidney -O- logo, used from the 1920s through the early 1940s, reflected the brand’s evolution into modern cookware design.
The No. 3 skillet may be small, but it carries the same lineage and refinement found in Wagner’s largest pans. Its low casting numbers and frequent overuse mean that collector-grade examples are relatively rare.
Specifications & Design Features
Size: No. 3
Top Rim Diameter: ~6 ½"
Cooking Surface Diameter: ~5 ¼"
Depth: ~1 ¾"
Length (Handle to Rim): ~11"
Weight: ~1.5 lbs
Pattern Number: 1063H (underside)
Logo: Stylized 'WAGNER WARE / SIDNEY -O-' centered near handle
Features: Double pour spouts, no heat ring, smooth glassy cooking surface
Why Collectors Love the No. 3
Compact, functional, and decorative
Often used and discarded—surviving examples are rare
Great for display or precision cooking
Matches larger Wagner skillets in styling and finish
Highly giftable and collectible entry point into vintage cast iron
SSC Museum Restoration & Condition
This skillet has undergone the full SSC Museum Restoration protocol:
✅ Complete chemical strip and safe neutralization
✅ Surface stabilization and mineral film protection
✅ Rim and pour spout geometry confirmed
✅ Archival dry seasoning finish applied (display-safe)
Condition Certification
✅ No cracks, pitting, or warping
✅ Flat base — no wobble or spin
✅ Crisp and legible logo and pattern number
✅ Collector-grade finish and coloration
Culinary & Display Applications
• Melt butter or chocolate
• Toast spices or nuts
• Bake mini cornbreads or biscuits
• Ideal for cast iron display sets or museum curation
• Precision skillet for hobbyist chefs
Care & Use Best Practices
• Preheat slowly and evenly
• Never soak or dishwasher
• Rinse with hot water and dry immediately
• Re-oil lightly after use
• Handle gently to preserve seasoning integrity
References
• Wagner Manufacturing Company. (1924). Catalog No. 30, Sidney, OH.
• Cast Iron Collector. (2025). "Wagner Ware Identification Guide."
• SSC Internal Archive: SSC-WAG-SKL-3-1063H
• eBay Invoice Record No. 20-13790-49904
