Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 9 Cast Iron Skillet (1059D)

Stylized Logo Era | Heat Ring | Light-Cast Form | SSC Museum Restoration

Overview: A Mid-Century Workhorse

The Wagner Ware Sidney -O- No. 9 cast iron skillet, pattern 1059D, represents the mature design years of the Wagner Manufacturing Company during the 1930s–40s. This skillet combines a refined casting with functional features like a raised heat ring and elegant stylized logo. As one of the larger standard sizes in the Wagner line, the No. 9 offered ample cooking space while maintaining the brand’s signature lightweight feel and exceptional smoothness.

At just over 11.5 inches in diameter and weighing roughly 6.5 pounds, the No. 9 skillet was large enough for family cooking yet nimble enough for everyday use. It remains a favorite among collectors and chefs who value utility and historical charm.

Wagner’s Legacy of Cast Iron Excellence

Founded in 1891 in Sidney, Ohio, the Wagner Manufacturing Company set a national standard for cast iron innovation and quality. Their cookware featured machine-smoothed interiors, curved sidewalls, and an attention to ergonomic detail unmatched at the time. The stylized “WAGNER WARE / SIDNEY -O-” logo—centered near the handle—signifies a mid-century production window where form and function reached harmony.

Unlike some heavier Southern-made pans, Wagner skillets were known for balance and usability, leading to widespread popularity in American homes from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Specifications & Design Features

  • Size: No. 9

  • Pattern Number: 1059D (underside)

  • Top Rim Diameter: ~11 1/2"

  • Cooking Surface Diameter: ~9 3/4"

  • Depth: ~2"

  • Weight: ~6.5 lbs

  • Logo: Stylized “WAGNER WARE / SIDNEY -O-” centered

  • Key Features:
    • Raised heat ring for stove-top stability
    • Dual pour spouts
    • Satin-smooth cooking surface
    • Light-cast body with comfortable handle

Why Collectors Value the No. 9

The No. 9 size hits the sweet spot in usability and presence—offering more cooking capacity than the common No. 8 without the bulk of the oversized 10–14 range. It’s favored for:

  • Ideal everyday skillet size

  • Mid-century stylized branding

  • Light weight and ease of use

  • Collectible pattern 1059D with crisp logo

SSC Museum Restoration & Condition

This piece was carefully restored using the Steve’s Seasoned Classics (SSC) archival process:

  • ✅ Fully stripped and degreased with iron-safe methods

  • ✅ Lightly polished and heat-treated for surface clarity

  • ✅ Seasoned with archival-grade dry-oil finish

  • ✅ Verified for flatness, rim geometry, and heat ring integrity

Condition Certification

✅ No cracks, pitting, or warping
✅ Logo and pattern number are crisp and legible
✅ Flat cooking surface; sits level
✅ Fully seasoned and museum-display ready

Culinary & Display Applications

  • Pan-sear steaks, vegetables, or cornbread

  • Display as part of a stylized Wagner timeline

  • Include in museum or food heritage exhibits

  • Use as a demonstrator for cast iron restoration or cooking techniques

Care & Use Best Practices

  • Preheat gradually to avoid stress

  • Use both hands when lifting (especially when full)

  • Avoid soap and dishwashers

  • Clean with hot water and brush; dry immediately

  • Reapply seasoning lightly after each use

References

  • Wagner Manufacturing Co. Catalog No. 30 (1924). Sidney, OH

  • Cast Iron Collector (2025). “Wagner Ware Pattern History.”

  • Southern Cast Iron Magazine (2024). “The Art of Everyday Iron”

  • SSC Archive Record: SSC-WAG-SKL-09-1059D

Lid of a vintage Wagner Ware cast iron skillet with embossed markings, resting on a wooden surface, showing the brand name Wagner Ware, location Sidney, Ohio, and a serial number 1059 D.
Empty cast iron skillet on a wooden surface.