Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 4 Cast Iron Skillet (1054)
Stylized Logo Era | Heat Ring | Smooth Interior | SSC Museum Restoration
Overview: A Compact Cast Iron Classic
The Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 4 cast iron skillet, pattern 1054, represents a perfect fusion of craftsmanship and compact utility. This small but mighty skillet—produced in Sidney, Ohio between the 1920s and early 1940s—is part of Wagner’s iconic stylized logo series, known for their balance, finish, and usability.
Despite its modest size, this skillet was cast with the same precision and care as Wagner’s larger pans. The 1054 model features a crisp heat ring, curved walls, dual pour spouts, and a smooth machined interior that exemplifies Wagner's high standard of production. These smaller pans were especially favored for side dishes, toasting spices, or individual servings, and are now highly collectible due to lower survival rates.
Wagner Manufacturing: Precision in Small Form
Wagner Manufacturing Company established itself in 1891 as a pioneer in American cast iron production. By the 1920s, it was known not only for its technical innovation but also for its aesthetic refinement. The stylized “WAGNER WARE / SIDNEY -O-” logo—centered prominently on the base—signals this skillet was produced during the company’s design peak.
Skillets like this were intended for daily stovetop use in homes across America. Their durability, even heat distribution, and elegant form made them indispensable kitchen tools—and today, treasured collector pieces.
Specifications & Design Features
Size: No. 4
Top Rim Diameter: ~7 3/4"
Cooking Surface Diameter: ~6 3/4"
Depth: ~1 3/4"
Length (handle to edge): ~12"
Weight: ~2.5 lbs
Pattern Number: 1054 (underside)
Logo: Stylized “WAGNER WARE / SIDNEY -O-” centered
Additional Features: Raised heat ring, dual pour spouts, smooth milled interior
Why Collectors Revere the No. 4
The No. 4 size was produced in lower numbers compared to the mid-sized range (Nos. 6–10), making this model comparatively rarer today—especially in excellent condition. It’s prized by collectors for:
Compact, elegant profile
High logo clarity and pre-war mold characteristics
Functional design for single-serving or side-dish cooking
Full heat ring for stovetop stability
SSC Museum Restoration & Condition
This piece was professionally restored using the SSC archival restoration protocol:
🔹 Iron-safe stripping and chemical neutralization
🔹 Surface preparation with micro-abrasive smoothing
🔹 Triple-layer SSC archival seasoning (dry film, non-greasy)
🔹 Verified for rim geometry, flatness, and logo clarity
Condition Certification
✅ No cracks, chips, or pitting
✅ Fully flat cooking base — no warp or spin
✅ Clearly legible logo and pattern number
✅ Seasoned and museum-display ready
Culinary & Display Applications
Toast spices or sear single-serve proteins
Excellent for eggs or baked sides like cornbread
Compact showpiece in full skillet size progression
Great for culinary museum exhibits or timeline installations
Care & Use Best Practices
Preheat gradually over low to medium heat
Hand wash with hot water and a soft brush
Towel dry immediately and apply a thin layer of oil
Store dry and uncovered to maintain finish
References
Wagner Manufacturing Co. (1924). Wagner Cast Iron Cookware Catalog No. 30.
Cast Iron Collector (2025). “Wagner Ware Logo History.”
Southern Cast Iron Magazine (2024). “Legacy of Wagner Skillets.”
SSC Internal Record: SSC-WAG-SKL-4-1054
