Favorite Piqua Ware: History, Value, Identifying Guide

Vintage shopping seems to be a goldmine for amazing finds. Those who get into this would usually focus on clothes, shoes, accessories, and whatnot. However, have you ever come across vintage kitchenware like from Favorite Piqua Ware? If you have, then you have stumbled upon a rare find!

Blast From The Past: History Of Favorite Piqua Ware

piqua ware

If you are interested in the history and evolution of cookware, particularly cast iron, then you might have heard of Favorite Piqua Ware. It’s usually mentioned alongside brand names like Wagner and Griswold.

The story of Favorite Piqua Ware dates back to around the late 1880s when the foundry was founded by Willian King Boal.William King Boal originally established it in Cincinnati before relocating it to Piqua. It’s a city found in Miami County, southwest of Ohio.

The Favorite Stove and Range Co. descended from a company called Great Western Stove Works. Before it was named Great Western Stove Works, it was called W.C. Davis & Co. When William King Boal took over Great Western Stove Works, he renamed the company to what is now known as the Favorite Stove and Range Co.

Favorite Stove and Range Co. produced ironware from 1889 to 1935. They manufactured products like the following:

  • Dutch Ovens
  • Gem pans
  • Griddles
  • Kettles
  • Scotch bowls
  • Skillets
  • Waffle irons

By 1916, the company produced more hollowware or metal tableware. When William King Boal died, his son, William Stanhope Boal took over the company.

Due to the effects of The Great Depression in the 1930s, the company’s sales were affected. It led the company to go under, prompting them to sell some of its properties, including tools and equipment, to competitors.

After going through a rough patch during The Great Depression, the company revamped itself. Compared to the past, the operations were much smaller. However, despite efforts to keep the company floating, it did not survive. Demands and sales kept on falling. It closed its operations in the late 1950s.

How to Spot a Favorite Piqua Ware

If you come across any Favorite Piqua Ware items now, you might want to check some things out to prove that it’s authentic. Here are some things that you should look out for:

Start With The Logo

One of the most prominent features of the Favorite Piqua Ware products was their logos. The company used about eight different logos for its cookware products. And these products were most likely made between 1916 to 1935.

You can usually see the logos on the bottom of the cast iron pan. If you want to check if a particular cast iron pan is from Favorite Piqua Ware, you can just flip it and check the bottom. There are items like their cast iron waffle irons that had the logo on top of their cover.

Among the different logos, there’s one that features a smile right under the Favorite Piqua Ware name. This feature seems to be a fan favorite.

  • Favorite Piqua Ware Block logo (1916-1935)

Favorite Piqua Ware Block logo

 

  • Favorite Piqua Ware Best To Cook In Block Logo (1916-1935)

piqua cast iron

 

  • Sunrise with Favorite Piqua Ware (1916-1935)

Sunrise with Favorite Piqua Ware

 

  • Favorite equals Piqua Ware logo (1916-1935)

Favorite equals Piqua Ware logo

 

  • Stylized Favorite Piqua Ware in block writing (1916-1934)

Stylized Favorite Piqua Ware in block writing

 

  • Favorite Piqua Ware smiley logo (1916-1934)

Favorite Piqua Ware smiley logo

 

  • Favorite Piqua Ware smiley logo and vertical diamond logo (1916-1935)

Vertical Diamond Miami logo

 

  • Puritan logo private Sears Roebuck logo (1916-1934)

Puritan logo private Sears Roebuck logo

Where Can You Get A Favorite Piqua Ware?

Since the Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Irons pans were made decades ago, some are over 100 years old now, they are considered vintage. You can’t find any brand new Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Irons out there.

If you are diligent enough, you might come across some items up for sale on the Internet. There are resale and auctions websites that carry these types of products. If you get really lucky, you might see these Cast Iron Cookware in thrift stores or flea markets. Some people aren’t aware that they own something like this, so you better watch out!

Determining Their Current Worth

favorite piqua ware dating

Depending on the brand, size, design, and other factors, they can get a little pricey.

It’s no surprise that the vintage Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Irons Cookware would cost a small fortune. Be ready to shell out some serious cash if you are thinking of purchasing this. But take note that the pricing of Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Irons pans is still cheaper than the ones from Wagner and Griswold.

As with other vintage or antique stuff,  the pricing depends on several considerations. If you are wondering what these are, you should check out these points.

Size

Size matters in the pricing of vintage cast iron pans. However, don’t be surprised if the smaller ones are priced higher. It depends on a case-to-case basis.

Rarity

Some Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Irons Cooking items are rarer than the others. Because of the limited number of pans produced for a particular size or variety then, they are much harder to come by now.

One of the rarest Favorite Piqua Ware is Number 1. It is, perhaps,  the smallest pan in the collection. It’s also one of the most scarce sizes, so people are willing to pay top dollar for them.

Cracks and Flaws

The condition of the Cast Iron also dictates the pricing. The less cracks and flaws, the better. However, it also means that it would be pricier.

With their vintage status, finding flaws is a given. It’s normal to see some signs of wear and tear with Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Iron Cookware. If something looks like it has gone through some serious usage, the price might be a little lower. If it needs some serious work on your end, you can get a reasonable rate for it.

Reasons to Buy Favorite Piqua Ware

favorite piqua ware cast iron

Some people might raise an eyebrow if they find out that you are willing to spend a lot of money on vintage Cast Iron pans. However, don’t let those naysayers drive you away from owning these glorious pieces of kitchenware.

It’s Vintage: A Glimpse into the Past

During its peak, Favorite Piqua Ware probably manufactured quite a number of Cast Iron pans and other items. However, since those times are long gone, we can only rely on whatever is left. And let’s face it, there isn’t a lot in the market today.

While it’s great to have something new and shiny in the kitchen, there’s always something about old items that can tug at your heartstrings. There’s a story and history behind these pans. It becomes even more special when you find out that you can still use it!

It’s a Collectible

It’s probably rare to find someone collecting cast iron pans made from the 1920s and 1930s. If you happen to be one of them, then you know the value and sentiment behind Favorite Piqua Ware. While others might fail to appreciate this, know that you are on the winning team!

If you can score Favorite Piqua Ware now,  they can surely be great additions to your collection, especially if you find them in great shape and various sizes.

favorite cast iron

It’s Durable and Long-lasting

No one can question the durability of a Cast Iron pan.  You can use it for years and years without showing any signs of decay or disarray. Just think of the Favorite Piqua Ware. These Cast Iron cooking ware have been through a lot, but they are still useful. Imagine using a 100-year-old pan with no problems whatsoever.

As long as you know how to clean and take care of it, you can continue using your vintage Cast Iron pans for as long as possible. Your descendants can even use it in the future! And they would thank you for it!

It’s Multi-functional Even in Old Age

Don’t let the age of your cast iron cooking ware stop you from maximizing its potential. As long as the pans are in great shape, you can still use them for various cooking endeavors.

If you want your Favorite Piqua Ware Cast Iron skillet to feel like brand new, you can always try to season it. While that sounds like a tedious task, it’s really not. It just involves cleaning the pan again with a scrub and preparing it for the seasoning process.

Once the pan is dry, add a drop or two of cooking oil to the surface. You should also oil the rest of the pan’s body.  Make sure you spread the oil evenly. Pop the well-oil pan into the oven and wait for about an hour.

Following these simple steps will season your Favorite Piqua Ware. Once it cools down, it is ready for use.

Invest and Collect Your Favorite Piqua Ware

If you invest in good quality cookware, you won’t regret it! And if you are getting into vintage cast iron pans and whatnot from Favorite Piqua Ware, then you should get your money’s worth. Revive the glory days of these timeless classic iron cookware and revel in their beauty and functionality!

favorite-piqua-ware-history-value-identifying-guide

16 thoughts on “Favorite Piqua Ware: History, Value, Identifying Guide”

  1. I found an old deep skillet I think it is a Piqua 9 inch cast iron. It has a distinct diamond on the bottom in line with the handle at 6 o’clock and the diamond has a capital D inside of it. Can you relate to this logo. I would appreciate anything you can tell me!. Thank you

    Reply
    • the diamond logos are made with the favorite piqua patterns by Chicago hardware foundry (CHF) after they bought them from banqruptcy

      Reply
  2. How hard is it to find a base for one of their waffle irons. I found a set of paddles with the wood handles in tact and in good condition.

    Reply
  3. I just picked one up at an antique shop having no idea about this brand. It was pricey but I loved that it is lighter weight than most cast iron pans. It is seasoned but not in the greatest condition so I will re-season. It’s nice to know it was a good investment as I see them for sale online at twice what I paid!

    Reply
  4. I have favorite Piqua 8 skillet…very heavy pitting on the outside, but perfect inside. Is there a way of clearing up the outside?

    Reply
    • It’s best to leave it as is. Sanding, grinding, etc. will destroy the vague of a vintage pan! And the pitting doesn’t hurt anything. Lots of antique pans are heavily pitted on the bottom due to being used on coal stoves. It’s part of the history and the charm of an old piece.

      Reply
  5. I have a skillet with gate mark,the number 8 and just a capital F on the bottom. can anybody tell me who made it and how old it might be. paid $5.00 at flea market for it.

    Reply
  6. I have a Favorite Piqua ware skillet with the smiley logo…It is NOT cast iron but aluminum.. (?) Does anyone know when it was made and if it is rare? I can’t seem to find anything regarding aluminum ones…
    Thank you!

    Reply
  7. I have a cast iron pan I’ve been using for almost 40 years. It says FAVORITE on the bottom, of the pan at 12 Oclock and 10 on the bottom at 6 Oclock. I see nothing else regarding a logo on it and have seen no other Favorite brand pan like it since I’ve cleaned it up?

    Reply
  8. I bought a Favorite Piqua Ware #6 skillet with the smile logo. It has a wooden handle and it is blue on the outside. I have searched high and low on the internet looking for any info at all and I can’t find anything about this particular skillet. I’m hoping someone here can help me.

    Reply

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