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🍳✨ Product Overview ✨🍳
This is a fully restored vintage cast iron skillet, a classic Wagner Ware #8 10 1/2" Chicken Fat Fryer. This specialized and highly sought-after piece of collectible cookware is easily identified by the unique "10 1/2 INCH CHICKEN FRYER" text embossed on its bottom, as seen in the photos. It features a deeper profile than a standard skillet, ideal for frying, a convenient helper handle, and a classic long handle, making it a functional and beautiful workhorse for any kitchen.
🔥 Manufacturer Synopsis 🔥
The Wagner Manufacturing Company of Sidney, Ohio, has a legacy of producing some of the finest cast iron cookware ever made. This Wagner Ware Chicken Fat Fryer is a prime example of their dedication to quality and innovation, originating from the mid-20th century (1940s-1960s). These pieces were designed to perform a specific task with excellence, and their robust construction and superior heat distribution made them a favorite for deep frying and other demanding cooking tasks. Today, these specialized skillets are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and exceptional performance.
⭐ Physical Condition ⭐
This skillet has been meticulously inspected and rated on our cast iron condition scale.
+ Crack Condition: 5 (Perfect: Absolutely no evidence of any cracks, past or present.)
+ Spin Condition: 4 (Excellent (Minimal Spin): The skillet is mostly flat but may rotate slightly (up to a quarter turn).)
+ Wobble Condition: 4 (Excellent (Minimal Wobble): Tiny, imperceptible movement that settles instantly.)
+ Interior Surface Rating: 4 (Excellent (Minimal Interior Blemishes): A few isolated, pin-prick size pits, scratches, and/or flea-bites on the cooking surface that are barely noticeable and do not affect cooking performance.)
+ Exterior Surface Rating: 5 (Perfect (No Exterior Blemishes): The exterior surfaces (sides, bottom, handle) are uniformly smooth with absolutely no visible pitting, scratches, and/or flea-bites.)
📏 Physical Dimensions 📏
+ Diameter: Approximately 10.5 inches / 26.5 cm
+ Depth: Approximately 3 inches / 7.6 cm
+ Overall Length: Approximately 15.5 inches / 39.5 cm
+ Approximate Weight: Approximately 6 lbs 5 oz / 2.85 kg
✨ Restoration Process ✨
This vintage cast iron piece has undergone a professional, multi-step restoration to return it to its full glory. We begin with a ~1M (Molar) Sodium Hydroxide lye bath to thoroughly strip away all carbon buildup and old seasoning. Following this, the skillet is placed in an electrolysis tank for ~10 Amperes (A) of hydrolysis, a gentle process that meticulously removes all traces of rust without damaging the precious iron. The final and most crucial step is a triple oven seasoning using Flaxseed Oil. This creates a durable, beautiful, and naturally non-stick finish, making it ready to use right out of the box!
👀 Key Highlights 👀
This fully restored skillet isn't just a piece of Made in USA history; it's an investment in your cooking and your collection.
+ Superior Cookware: Enjoy exceptional heat retention and even cooking, perfect for deep frying, braising, or baking. Its unique depth makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of culinary tasks.
+ Collectible Value: As a genuine heirloom quality specialty piece from Wagner Ware, this is a highly sought-after item for any serious cast iron collector.
+ Durability and Longevity: Having already lasted for decades, this skillet is a testament to the enduring quality of early cast iron. Properly cared for, it will continue to be a centerpiece in your kitchen for many more generations.
+ Eco-Friendly: By choosing restored vintage cookware, you're making a sustainable choice and helping to reduce waste, contributing to a greener planet while acquiring a piece with character and history.
📦 Packaging/Shipping Options 📦
(1) Eco-Friendly: Giving Boxes a Second Act!
We're all about sustainability here! To minimize waste, we frequently reuse clean, sturdy shipping materials. So, don't be surprised if your box has a little character – it's just playing its role in helping the environment (and our budget!).
(2) New packaging is always an option if you prefer; just ask! We use primarily paper/cardboard to minimize our plastic footprint.
Disclaimer:
Parts of this description were created with Google Gemini AI [1.5 Pro] using a highly targeted and meticulously crafted prompt for a high degree of accuracy.
Additionally:
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, special requests, or would like a physical confirmation of the items dimensions.
$125.00