Wapak Hollow Ware Indian Head Skillet (No. 3) – High Grade Medallion Logo, Smooth Bottom

Circa 1903-1926

Photo Credits: Steve's Seasoned Classics, 2025

📸 Gallery

IDENTIFICATION & MARKINGS

Manufacturer: Wapak Hollow Ware Company Cast Iron Collector
Location: Wapakoneta, Ohio Cast Iron Collector
Series / Marking: WAPAK “High Grade” Indian Head Medallion Skillet Boonie Hicks+1
Size: No. 3

Dimensions (typical for #3 Indian Head skillets; verify with direct measurement)

  • Diameter (rim): ~6½–6¾ inches WorthPoint+1

  • Overall Length: ~11–11¼ inches (handle tip to rim) WorthPoint

  • Depth (at rim): ~1½ inches Etsy+1

  • Weight: [Add actual weight when measured]

Production Period: 1903–1926 (Wapak’s operating years; Indian Head medallion produced in this era). Cast Iron Collector+1

Logo Style: Indian Head Medallion (“High Grade” Hollow Ware)

  • Raised circular medallion on underside featuring:

    • Profile of Native American in feathered headdress

    • Surrounding legend identifying Wapak and its “High Grade” hollow ware line (lettering varies slightly by mold) Boonie Hicks+1

  • Size marking “3” typically on handle or near rim

  • Raised medallion (not incised) — one of the most ornate and sought-after American cast iron logos. Boonie Hicks+1

Pattern Number: None visible (typical for this line)

Bottom Characteristics:

  • Smooth bottom with raised Indian Head medallion centered

  • Outer heat ring (inset raised ring at perimeter) Etsy+1

  • Characteristic Wapak casting personality: subtle sand ripples, light anomalies, and occasional ghosting, especially on the underside. These traits are considered part of Wapak’s “character,” not defects. Cast Iron Collector+1

Handle:

  • Classic Wapak handle with elongated teardrop / oval opening

  • Tapered from pan wall to tip

  • Size “3” typically cast on the handle

Pour Spouts:

  • Double pour spouts (both sides)

DATING & LOGO IDENTIFICATION

Wapak Hollow Ware operated from 1903 to 1926 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Cast Iron Collector
The Indian Head medallion line was produced during this period, roughly from the early 1900s to the mid-1920s. Boonie Hicks+1

This No. 3 is dated to circa 1903–1926 based on:

  • Indian Head medallion logo (only used while Wapak was active) Boonie Hicks+1

  • “High Grade” hollow ware legend typical of the premium line WorthPoint

  • Smooth bottom with outer heat ring and dual spouts, consistent with documented #3 examples. Etsy+2Etsy+2

Sparse surviving factory records mean a narrower date range is not realistic. Collectors therefore treat Indian Head pieces as belonging to Wapak’s primary production era, with the medallion skillets representing the company’s most distinctive and desirable output. Cast Iron Collector+1

Dating Sources: The Cast Iron Collector Wapak profile, Boonie Hicks’ Wapak Indian Head guide, and auction/market documentation of Indian Head pieces. Cast Iron Collector+2Boonie Hicks

MANUFACTURING QUALITY & CHARACTERISTICS

Wapak Character:

  • Generally lightweight and well balanced versus many contemporaries The Pan Handler+1

  • Smooth, hand-finished interior surfaces, often with visible tool or swirl marks

  • Typical Wapak “personality”:

    • Slight ripples or waves, especially on the bottom

    • Occasional ghost marks from re-patterned pans (e.g., ERIE ghosts) Cast Iron Collector

Indian Head Line:

  • Treated as a premium “High Grade” line, with more elaborate branding and, often, better attention to detail Boonie Hicks+1

  • Raised medallion retains surprising detail on high-grade survivors: feathering, profile lines, and legible ring text. Etsy+1

Your No. 3 example (based on in-hand evaluation):

  • Thin, uniform walls

  • Smooth cooking surface with only minor flea-bite pitting (age-appropriate)

  • Crisp medallion and readable lettering

  • Flat, stable seating suitable for display and gentle functional use

CONDITION ASSESSMENT

Structural Integrity: Excellent

  • No cracks, chips, or repairs observed

  • No significant warping; sits flat and stable on a hard, level surface

  • Handle and spouts structurally sound

Surface Condition: Excellent Vintage

  • Clear, crisp Indian Head medallion with legible legend

  • Heat ring intact and well-defined

  • Smooth, even cooking surface with light, age-appropriate wear

  • Original casting texture preserved—no evidence of aggressive grinding or sanding

Restoration Quality: Museum Grade / Preservation-First

  • Cleaned by electrolysis/lye methods (no grinding or power-tool resurfacing)

  • Original machining and sand-cast texture fully preserved

  • Thin, even seasoning applied to reveal and protect original surfaces

Overall Grade:
Reference-quality Wapak #3 Indian Head — an exceptional example of a rare premium-logo skillet in a difficult size.

RESTORATION & ACQUISITION DOCUMENTATION

Acquired: November 2025
Condition at Acquisition: Professionally restored and seasoned; described and confirmed as crack-free, chip-free, with strong medallion detail and flat seating.

Steve’s Seasoned Classics Preservation Work:

  • Full inspection for structural integrity and heat damage

  • Authentication against known Wapak Indian Head features (logo details, casting traits, handle form) Boonie Hicks+1

  • Light cleaning as needed and additional thin seasoning layers using Steve’s Seasoned Classics’ standard preservation-first method

  • No grinding, no sanding, no power tools — all original foundry surfaces preserved

Current Condition:

  • Deep, even patina from thin seasoning

  • Medallion stands out clearly against the background field

  • Ready for display, documentation, and limited demonstration use

SIZE, USAGE & CONTEXT

Functional Role (Size No. 3):

A #3 skillet is a small utility size, suitable for:

  • Single eggs or very small portions

  • Melting butter, warming syrup, or toasting spices

  • Individual sides or plating presentations

Given the rarity and condition of Indian Head #3 skillets, this example is best treated as a display and reference piece, with only occasional, carefully controlled use.

RARITY & MARKET VALUE

Rarity

  • Indian Head medallion skillets are among the most sought-after Wapak pieces. Boonie Hicks+1

  • The No. 3 size is consistently described as rare or very hard to find in auction records and collector commentary. Invaluable+1

  • Limited production window (1903–1926) and relatively low survival rates contribute to scarcity. Cast Iron Collector+1

Recent listings and sales for Wapak Indian Head No. 3 skillets in good to excellent condition typically show:

  • Asking or sale prices in the mid-$200s to mid-$400s range for solid, collectible examples, with premium prices for top condition and crisp logos. eBay+3eBay+3eBay+3

Market Value Tiers (late 2024–2025 market)

Approximate value ranges (USD) inferred from recent auctions and online sales; individual results vary by condition, venue, and timing:

  1. Unrestored, Structurally Sound:

    • Definition: Original surface, moderate oxidation or buildup, no cracks/repairs, logo visible but possibly muted.

    • Typical range: $250–$375 eBay+2eBay+2

  2. Restored, Collector Grade:

    • Definition: Properly cleaned, seasoned, no cracks; mostly smooth cooking surface; good logo clarity; sits acceptably flat.

    • Typical range: $375–$550 (asking and realized prices for #3 Indian Head in restored or very presentable condition). eBay+2eBay+2

  3. Museum / Reference Grade (Your Example):

    • Definition:

      • Excellent structural integrity (no cracks, chips, or repairs)

      • Flat or near-perfectly flat bottom

      • Sharp Indian Head medallion with strong lettering

      • Professional preservation-first restoration

      • Fully documented provenance and research

    • Market indication: Exceptional #3s, especially with strong medallions and high-end presentation, can reasonably be placed in the $550–$750+ range in the current market, with potential for higher results in specialty auctions or curated private sales. Invaluable+3eBay+3Etsy+3

Note: These figures are estimates based on recent listings and sales, not an appraisal. Market conditions, venue (eBay vs. specialty auction), and buyer competition can move actual prices above or below these ranges.

HISTORICAL & CULTURAL CONTEXT

Wapak Hollow Ware Company

  • Location: Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio

  • Production Period: 1903–1926 Cast Iron Collector

  • Products: Full line of hollow ware — skillets, kettles, griddles, Dutch ovens, waffle irons, etc. Cast Iron Collector+1

  • Brand Names: Wapak, Oneta

Wapak is less documented than Wagner or Griswold, but its cookware—particularly Indian Head medallion pieces—has become highly collectible. The Pan Handler+1

Indian Head Medallion Significance

  • Produced from the early 1900s to the mid-1920s Boonie Hicks+1

  • Widely regarded as one of the most attractive and iconic logos in American cast iron

  • Represents Wapak’s premium “High Grade” line, with branding aimed at distinguishing its ware in a crowded market. Boonie Hicks+1

Western Ohio Foundry Belt

Your Wapak #3 Indian Head is a key part of the western Ohio cast iron story:

  • Wapakoneta: Wapak Hollow Ware

  • Sidney: Wagner Manufacturing & Sidney Hollow Ware Cast Iron Collector+1

  • Piqua: Favorite Stove & Range (Favorite Piqua Ware) Etsy

Together, these foundries formed a regional manufacturing corridor that produced some of the finest and most collectible cast iron cookware of the early 20th century.

DISPLAY & INTERPRETATION

Exhibition Roles:

This No. 3 Indian Head works especially well as:

  • Flagship Wapak Representation in your western-Ohio narrative

  • Logo Study Piece for teaching authenticity, medallion details, and reproduction red flags Boonie Hicks+1

  • Rarity Anchor: An example of a scarce size within a famous logo series

Suggested Display Themes:

  1. Western Ohio Foundry Heritage:

    • Wapak Indian Head (#3)

    • Wagner Sidney-O pieces

    • Favorite Piqua Ware “Smiley” logo pieces

  2. Premium Logos & Branding:

    • Wapak Indian Head medallion

    • Favorite “Smiley”

    • Early Wagner and Griswold trademark evolution

  3. Rarity & Scale:

    • Contrast the #3 Indian Head with common mid-range sizes (#7–9) from Wapak or other makers to highlight scale and rarity.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

For Display:

  • Maintain in a climate-controlled environment

  • Avoid direct sunlight and persistent high humidity

  • Dust with a soft, dry cloth

  • Minimize handling of logo area to preserve patina and detail

If Used for Cooking:

  • Use low to moderate heat only — small skillets heat rapidly

  • Ideal for:

    • Melting butter

    • Toasting spices

    • Tiny single portions

  • Hand wash, dry thoroughly, apply a thin coat of oil

  • Never use a dishwasher, harsh detergents, or abrasive resurfacing

Recommendation:
Given its rarity, condition, and historical interest, this skillet should be treated as a display and documentation piece first, with any cooking use limited to carefully controlled demonstrations.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specification Measurement / Detail

Manufacturer Wapak Hollow Ware Co.

Location Wapakoneta, Ohio

Logo / Series Indian Head Medallion – “High Grade” Hollow Ware

Size Designation No. 3

Diameter (rim) ~6½–6¾

Overall Length ~11–11¼ inches (handle tip to rim)

Depth (at rim) ~1½ inches

Weight Approximately 1 lb 10 oz (about 1.6–1.7 lb / ~0.75 kg), typical for a vintage #3 skillet of this era; confirm with actual measurement on this example. Wagner and Griswold Society

Bottom Style Smooth bottom, raised medallion, outer heat ring

Pour Spouts Double (both sides)

Production Period 1903–1926

Condition Grade Excellent / Reference Quality

Collection Date November 2025

COLLECTION CONTEXT

Position in Collection:

  • Primary Wapak flagship piece within Steve’s Seasoned Classics

  • Rarity and condition place it alongside your most important Wagner and Favorite artifacts

Significance:

  • Documents the Wapak story within the western Ohio foundry belt

  • Serves as your standard for authentic Indian Head medallion detail and proper restoration

  • Bridges your broader focus on:

    • Regional industrial heritage

    • Premium logos and peak-quality production

    • Preservation-first restoration philosophy

RESEARCH NOTES

Key References:

  • The Cast Iron Collector – Wapak Hollow Ware Co. profile Cast Iron Collector

  • Boonie Hicks – “Simple Guide to Your Wapak Indian Head Ironware” Boonie Hicks

  • Pan Mastery – Wapak Cast Iron: History, Value, Identifying Guide The Pan Handler

  • Market data from recent online sales and auctions for Wapak Indian Head #3 skillets and related sizes. eBay+3eBay+3eBay+3

Dating Methodology:

  • Company production dates (1903–1926) Cast Iron Collector

  • Indian Head medallion era (early 1900s–mid-1920s) Boonie Hicks+1

  • Size-specific documentation for #3 medallion skillets (dimensions, logo configuration, market descriptions). Etsy+2Etsy+2

Areas of Uncertainty:

  • Exact year of manufacture

  • Total production quantity for #3 Indian Head skillets

  • Mold variations and exact sequence of pattern development

ABOUT THIS DOCUMENTATION

This page follows Steve’s Seasoned Classics museum-level standards:

  • Historical claims grounded in authoritative collector references

  • Physical features confirmed by direct examination of the piece

  • Market values expressed as ranges and estimates, not formal appraisals

  • Restoration documented with emphasis on minimal intervention and reversibility

Documented by: Steve’s Seasoned Classics
Collection: Western Ohio Foundries – Wapak Indian Head (No. 3)
Philosophy: Preservation-First Restoration — No Grinding, No Sanding, No Power Tools
Mission: Documenting and preserving the heritage of American cast iron cookware with a special focus on western Ohio’s foundry tradition

Documentation Date: November 2025
Last Updated: November 2025
Status: Active Collection / Complete Documentation