Ring of Fire

For centuries, cast-iron cookware has been beloved around the world.

- JOE KENZ AND SANDY GARRISON

Cast iron originated in China in the fifth century B.C. and had reached Europe via trade routes by the 14th century. In 1707, English inventor Abraham Darby patented a new method of casting that enabled artisans to create thinner, less-expensive pots.

As indoor stoves evolved, their manufacturers began making cookware sized specifically for their products. Companies added numbers to the pans to indicate their size (these numbers are manufacturer-specific, and don't relate to the pan’s diameter). Some numbers are rarer and more collectible than others.

Although now cast iron is mostly made in factories, antique pieces were hand-poured into sand molds, and then ground and polished with stones.

How can you distinguish antique cast iron from modern counterfeits? Look for a piece without any seams. Rust is also a good indicator of a vintage piece. While pitting on the bottom won't affect performance, keep an eye out for cracks, warping and holes. If you want to collect, do a little research on logos. They often changed over time, which helps with dating pieces, and some are more collectible than others. Don't overlook unlabeled antique pans. These were often made by top manufacturers as store brands.

1 Favorite Piqua Ware Dutch Oven

A brand popular with collectors is Favorite Piqua Ware, produced by Ohio's Favorite Stove and Range Co. The company was operational from 1889 to 1935, although it traces its roots back to W.C. Davis & Co., founded in 1848. Favorite also made the Miami and Puritan brands of cast iron. Pictured is a Number 10 Dutch oven, 19161935. Its missing lid and trivet would likely affect the selling price.