Learn about Favorite Piqua Ware, Miami, and Puritan antique cast iron
Do you have a piece of antique cast iron with the brand name Favorite Piqua Ware, Miami, or Puritan? This cast iron hollowware was made by a foundry called Favorite Stove and Range. In this article you can learn the fascinating history of the Favorite Stove & Range Co., and how to date and identify your treasured antique cast iron using logos and markings on your cookware.
This article will cover:
- Who made Favorite Piqua Ware?
- Variables which may affect the value and collectability
- Is Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron any good?
- The History of Favorite Stove and Range and the company’s predecessors
- How to date and identify Favorite Piqua Ware, Miami and Puritan logos
- Final thoughts
Company | Favorite Stove and Range Co. (successor to W.C. Davis & Co.,) |
Founder | Willian King Boal |
Operational dates | The foundry produced ironware between 1889-1935. However, the company ramped up and focused on hollow ware between 1916-1935 |
Located | The foundry was located in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio |
Cookware line | The favorite Stove and Range Co. manufactured a full line of hollowware. This included: skillets, griddles, Dutch Ovens, kettles, Scotch bowls, gem pans and waffle irons |
Cookware Brands | The company had serval lines of branded cookware which included Favorite Piqua Ware, Miami, Puritan (for Sears Roebuck) |
Who made Favorite Piqua Ware?
Favorite Piqua Ware vintage cast iron is often in great shape and still very usable even on modern stoves including induction.
So “who made Favorite Piqua Ware?” Favorite Piqua Ware was in-fact the product name for cast iron cookware manufactured by a company name Favorite Stove & Range Co. Favorite Stove and Range Co like Wagner Manufacturing Company had a full range of cast iron products that a highly prized by collectors and cast iron enthusiasts.
You can learn about the history of the company, and the logos they used later in the article.
Do you have a Favorite Piqua Ware skillet or Scotch bowl? Don’t hide them away in the bottom shelf, they are fantastic to cook with.
If you have a piece or two of antique cast iron? Well, these old pieces are still great cookware. And I have seen many Favorite Piqua Ware skillets with super smooth cooking surfaces that are equal to Wagner and Griswold skillets.
So, there’s no need to tuck Grandma’s skillet away in the bottom cupboard. Use these old timers as your go-to pan and they’re also a lot of fun to use.
I think it’s kinda neat that you can cook in an old pan which someone used the 19th century on their coal-range. You can also use you vintage cast iron cookware on modern stoves but I recommend preheating your pans first to prevent warping.
What factors affect the price of antique cast-iron?
There are many variables that can affect the price of vintage iron. Such variables include:
- casting flaws
- hairline cracks
- smoothness of the cooking surface including pitting and utensil marks
- size
- movement on a flat surface
Favorite Piqua Ware is great cast iron without the price tag
Putting these variables aside, if you are looking for vintage cast iron Favorite Piqua Ware is a good option. Piqua Ware is often less costly than the big two names in vintage or antique cast iron. The two being Griswold and Wagner.
So you may find a great Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron skillet or Scotch bowl for a lower price especially if you find a larger size.
Favorite Piqua Ware, is it any good?
If Favorite Stove and Range cast iron is cheaper than Griswold and Wagner, then a question to ask is “Favorite Piqua Ware any good?”
“Favorite Piqua Ware tends to be incredibly smooth and very light”
“You don’t need a Griswold or a Wagner to have a great vintage pan.”
Boonie Hicks
Finding a bargin
If you look on eBay you’ll find many Favorite Pique Ware skillets in great shape. You won’t have to search for long to find one in great condition. Favorite Piqua Ware, Sidney Hollow Ware, which is one of my favorites and Wapak often go under the radar with those new to cast iron collecting.
Often there are many listings to choose from and new listings are regular. However, many cast iron enthusiasts enjoy finding hidden gems at antique stores and garage sales. You could attend cast iron auctions and meet others cast iron enthusiasts.
The History of the Favorite Stove and Range Co.
| Where was Favorite Piqua Ware manufactured? | Favorite Stove and Range Co made Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron. They manufactured a wide range of cast iron products including cast iron stoves. Their foundry was located in Piqua Miami County in Ohio |
| When was Piqua Ware manufactured? | Probably somewhere between 1916-1935. Hollowware may have been manufactured before this date. However, 1916-1935 stands out in a possible strategy change towards hollowware or when hollowware was first manufactured in the Favorite Stove & Range Piqua Ohio foundry. |
| The foundations of the Favorite Stove and Range Co. started in 1848 | Before the first Favorite Piqua Ware skillet came off the line in their Ohio foundry. A different company called W C. Davis and Co established in Cincinnati in 1848. W. C Davis &. Co. founded by William C Davis. |
The predecessor to the Favorite Stove & Range Co. The W.C. Davis & Co.,
| W.C. Davis & Co | W.C. Davis and Co. and Anchor Iron Works The company focused on the manufacture of ironware. They also had interests in another foundry called Anchor Iron Works, located in Cincinnati. Like many foundries, W.C. Davis & Co. didn’t focus on any one product. Instead, they manufactured a wide range of metalware. W.C. Davis and Co. and Anchor Iron Works together manufactured a large range of metalware. W.C. Davis manufactured metal coffins called the Fisk’s Metallic Burial Case under license. |
| W.C. Davis Hollowware | Look for W.C. Davis Co., made cast iron Although you can still find W.C. Davis cast iron, it is much harder to find. If you have a piece of cast iron made by the company, then you have a real piece of history. However, W.C. Davis & Co. cast iron can still be found occasionally for sale. Pots and skillets may have a distinctive single pouring spout instead of the double pouring spouts which are standard today. And keep an eye out for kettles that occasionally come up for sale. |
Renamed to Great Western Stove works | Restructuring The W.C. Davis & Co was renamed to Great Western Stove Works which included a series of ongoing restructuring efforts. Davis also sold his interest in Anchor Iron Works to Chamberlain & Co. Iron and the casket business to Martin Hale Crane and J.R. Barnes in 1853. |
The Great Western Stove Works to Favorite Stove Works | Willian Boal takes control After the retirement of Willian Davis in 1880, a partner named Willian Boal who had a controlling financial interest renames the company from Great Western Stove Works to Favorite Stove Works. |
The rise of the Favorite Stove & Range Co
The move from Cincinnati to Piqua | Boal moved from Cincinnati to Piqua and formed the Favorite Stove and Range Company on the 1st of July, 1888. By 1889 the foundry become operational and began production |
The growth of Favorite Stove & Range Co. | The Favorite Stove & Range Co. became the largest manufacturer in Piqua. The city also became affectionately known as the “Favorite City.” |
Scaling | Even by today’s standard, the company’s foundry was on a huge scale. The foundry was located on ten acres of land. It also employed 550 to 600 people when the foundry became established. Favorite Stove and Range had such an impact on the area, that several other companies adopted “Favorite” in their company name. |
New leadership and expansion of manufacturing hollowware | In 1916 Willian King Boal dies and Willian Stanhope Boal, William’s son took over his fathers interests. It was Stanhope Boal who ramps up cast iron hollow ware production. |
The fall of Favorite Stove and Range
Labour Strikes | In 1919 a labour strike hit the firm. During this strike, workers demanded an extra 25 percent increase for wages The strikes lasted for eleven days |
Management turnover | Stanhope Boal remained president until 1923 The next five years the company had three other presidents. Willian C. Katker became the final president for Favorite Stove & Range Co. in 1928 |
The Great Depression | Sales declined in the 1930s because of the Great Depression Unfortunately, Favorite Stove & Range were not alone and most foundries during this time struggled |
The passing of Willian Stanhope Boal | On December 17th 1933 Willian S. Boal who was so instrumental in the success in the company dies |
Favorite Stove & Range Co. liquidates | 1935 the company liquidates, and patents, trademarks and tools were sold to Foster Stove Company of Ironton, Ohio And Chicago Hardware Foundry bought the patterns and machinery |
Post WW2 and the drop in demand | After restructuring, Katker renamed the company to the Favorite Manufacturing Company. However, the company operated on a much smaller scale. They produced coal and wood ranges, gas cooking stoves and hollowware although molding was outsourced to Champion Foundry Company also located in Piqua |
Production stops | In 1958 the company stopped operation due to the post WW2 decline in demand |
Learn how to date and identify Favorite Piqua Ware, Miami, Puritan cast iron using logos
Favorite Stove and Range used eight logos for their hollowware range between 1916-1935 seems to be the general consensus. Did they make hollow ware before this date? Yes, there are online catalogs to indicate hollow-ware was produced such as Scotch bowls, and caldrons.
We know W.C. Davis & Co. produced skillets so it is not unreasonable to think Favorite Stove and Range did as well.
It’s also difficult to give an accurate date of manufactured cast iron by looking at the logos. However, we can look to other manufacturers at the time and look at their logos estimate of which Favorite Piqua Ware logos were most likely the earliest and which were the latest, towards the end of production.
Table: Identify and date your Favorite Stove & Range cast-iron
Block Favorite Piqua Ware | Circa: 1916-1934 |
Favorite Piqua Ware the best to cook in | Made between 1916-1935 |
Favorite Piqua Ware smile | Manufactured from 1916-1934 |
Stylized Favorite Piqua Ware in block writing | Circa:1916-1934 |
Sunrise logo, Favorite Piqua Ware, Favorite Stoves and Ranges | Made around 1916-1935 |
Favorite = Piqua Ware | Manufactured around 1916-1935 |
Vertical diamond Miami | Circa 1916-1935 |
Favorite Piqua Ware smiley with vertical diamond Miami | Made between 1916-1935 |
Puritan logo (private label for Sears Roebuck) | Made from 1916-1934 |
Favorite Piqua Ware Block logo
Considered one of the older logos, the Favorite Piqua Ware block logo is simple but has plenty of charm.
The word “Favorite” is slightly arched and placed near the top of the skillet and Piqua Ware is stamped straight underneath. The lettering in this logo is capitalized in block form.
Favorite Piqua Ware Best To Cook In Block Logo
I love the “best o cook in” logo. It must have been pretty good marketing for the time.
Similar to the block logo. The word favorite is arced at the top of the skillet similar to an early Lodge or Wagner skillet. Piqua Ware is written under the word Favorite and is embossed straight. Finally “The best to cook in” is written beneath. The lettering again is in block form and in the same size font.
Sunrise with Favorite Piqua Ware
I’ve only seen this logo on waffle irons.
The Piqua Ware Sunrise logo looks amazing. A circular logo in the center containing Favorite Stove and Ranges with the Sun rising and sunshine rays. Surrounding the logo are two banners. The upper banner contains the words “WE GUARANTEE” and the lower banner contains the words “BEST IN THE WORLD.” The circumference has familiar wording of “FAVORITE-PIQUA-WARE.”
Favorite equals Piqua Ware logo
I’ve only seen this logo a few times on waffle irons. Favorite equals Piqua Ware logo is not an official name for the logo. I haven’t found any information about this logo to name it differently. The logo lettering is arced with FAVORITE=PIQUA WARE written in upper case and in the same sized font.
Stylized Favorite Piqua Ware in block writing
This Favorite Piqua Ware logo is more stylized than the previously mentioned logos. Again Favorite is arced however the “F” and “E” FAVORITE are in a larger font. Piqua Ware is written in a smaller font than favorite. Lettering is all written in upper case.
Favorite Piqua Ware smiley logo
Do you have a soft spot for the smiley logo? I sure do. Although it’s very similar to the stylized logo the lettering is thinner. Underneath is ever so friendly embellishing which resembles a smile. This may have been a very popular logo and it’s not uncommon to find a Favorite Piqua Ware with this logo.
Vertical Diamond Miami logo
This logo was made by Favorite Stove & Range however, sometimes it’s referred to as Miami cast iron. The diamond is vertical with the word MIAMI written in the center, Although the lettering is capitalized the font size varies to contain the wording within the logo.
Favorite Piqua Ware smiley logo and vertical diamond logo
This logo has both the smiley and the Miami logo. The Maimi logo is in the center while the smiley logo is in the regular position of 12 o’clock.
Puritan logo private Sears Roebuck logo
The Puritan logo was an in-store private label skillet which was made for Sears Roebuck and company which is commonly known as “Sears” department store.
Looking for a great piece of cast iron cookware then a Piqua Ware skillet could be just what you’re looking for
Favorite Piqua Ware cast iron tends to have smooth cooking surfaces like many of the manufactures at the time. However, a Favorite Piqua Ware skillet is likely cheaper than a Wagner or Griswold skillet.
Furthermore, a Favorite Piqua Ware skillet is great to cook with. There are some great bargains at a garage, Estate sales and auctions. Online stores are also a great option. Although you tend to pay internet prices you also have a wider choice to find a skillet that suits your needs.
Favorite Piqua Ware is fantastic vintage iron if you find a nice piece at a reasonable price I think it will do you do proud for many years after all these pieces are or nearing one hundred years old and they cook just as well today as they did all those years ago.
Happy cast iron hunting.
Hi – I just found a Favorite Ware Piqua Dutch Oven – with the smiley logo at a local estate sale dealer. From the great information you’ve shared on this page – I’m guessing its from 1916-1935.
It’s got an “8” on the bottom of the pot (bottom edge in relation to the logo the logo.) Its in beautiful condition – although it’s missing the lid. Did lids come with these – or were they sold separately? Any suggestions on if/how I might I go about tracking down a lid to go with this oven?
Hi John
It sounds like you’ve picked up a great vintage piece. I think you’re spot-on with the dates for the smiley logo.
Yes, Favorite Stove & Range manufactured lids for its Dutch Ovens. It’s going to be hard to track down a lid, but if you search on eBay, I’m sure one will come up eventually.
For an original lid you will want to keep an eye out for a high domed lid, not flat like the earlier pieces. There will be no markings on top of the lid. But underneath, the lid will have three rows, of separated basting rings. It will also have a size number.
But if you find one, please confirm with the seller before purchasing. Just to make sure, it will fit. Because, I’d say other manufacturers used similar designs during this time.
Best of luck, and have fun tracking down a lid.
I have a cast iron Dutch oven. The lid has “basting ridges” and the number/letter “8B”.
The bottom of pot has the number 8 inside a vertical diamond.
Can you tell me the manufacturer and era it manufactured? Thank you.
Hi Adam
I believe you have a Dutch oven made by the Chicago Hardware & Foundry. The company had a long history but unfortunately, very little is known about their cookware line and the date they were produced. We do know they bought the patents and machinery from Favorite Stove and Range in 1934. Undoubtedly the company then ramped up production after the purchase. So it’s likely your Dutch oven was made between 1934-1938.
Hope this points you in the right direction.
I bought a cast iron lid last year just because I thought it was reasonably priced. It has a 8 1/2 A inscribed on the inside kind of a low dome. What skillets does this lid go with? It is in really good shape and would to make a set.
Hi Garry
Thanks for getting in touch. It sounds like you’re fairly confident it’s a Favorite Stove and Range lid. And the 8 1/2 followed by a pattern letter is a good indication.
Just to make sure. There should be three separated raised basting rings on the underside of the lid. I don’t have lids in my collection, However, keep an eye out for a chicken fryer with smiley. I’m pretty sure it will have the corresponding marking of 8 1/2 on the base. But please confirm sizing with the seller first.
It could take a while but best of luck with your search.
Cheers
Hello,
I just acquired a skillet that has Favorite Ware and the number 3 on it. Can you tell me if the company produced skillets without the word Piqua on it?
Hi Tracy
Wow, sounds like you have an unusual skillet, I’d love to see a picture. If you could send a picture through I’d be really thankful.
There’s a lot of unknowns about the Favorite Stove & Range Company. And the company remains a mystery for many collectors. The company might have manufactured skillets without “Piqua” In which case it could be an older piece and potentially made before their Piqua foundry was operational. But also check out the Chicago Hardware Foundry on google images. The company bought the rights to Favorite Stove and Range when they got into financial difficulty and the logos look very similar. It would be good to compare the logo on your skillet with vintage Chicago Hardware ironware.
This might leave you with more questions than answers but this is what makes collecting fun.
Enjoy your skillet
I have a cast iron deep skillet (chicken fryer?) with a lid. The only markings I can find are a small diamond with the letter ‘A’ inside it. This is found on the bottom near the base of the handle. It has a square of cast iron with a hole opposite the handle which I assume is for hanging. It has pour spouts on the skillet and the lid has pour spout ears. It has a domed lid with a loop handle in the center and concentric broken circle drip rings inside. It has an inset heat ring with no notches.
Any idea who the manufacturer might be and/or age?
Hi Tammy
Thanks for your question
It sounds like you’re familiar with cast iron from the terminology used in your description. And I think you’re on the right track. The broken basting rings are telltale sign of Favorite Stove and Range Company’s design.
However, collectors are unsure if Favorite manufactured cookware with the diamond logo or if it was Chicago Hardware Foundry after they purchased the assets of the Favorite Stove and Range.
By and large people lean towards Chicago Hardware Foundry as the manufacturer of the diamond logo. And if so your chicken fryer was probably made from the middle to late 1930s.
Cheers, hope this helps and enjoy your piece of cast iron history.
Hello everyone. A friend of my Mother’s went into assisted living recently. She gave me, what she called) a roaster. On the bottom it says Favorite Piqua Ware and below it has No 0. It’s in wonderful condition and with the lid. I am curious of the value of this cast iron roaster. I am not a collector of cast iron. I do have 3 cast iron skillets. The story behind the roaster goes way back. Could someone please let me know the possible value of this antique.
Thank you,
Julia Young
Hi Julia
Wow, I think your friends Mother secretly knew she had a rare piece. And you are so lucky to be the proud new owner. I hope it still has the trivet which often goes missing over time.
How rare is it? Well, you won’t find it in the reference books. And if it’s in as good of condition as you say it is, it would raise a fair bit of interest from collectors. You won’t be able to retire if you sold it. It’s a Dutch oven at the end of the day. But it would be worth a few shiny pennies online and you could probably buy yourself a fancy new Le Creuset oven from the proceeds if you wanted to.
Hope this helps and you might want to have tea and scones with your friends mum.
Cheers, enjoy your vintage roaster.
Several years ago I found a Favorite #10 Dutch oven with trivet, block letters. I have yet to find any information on it. I use it all the time along side my Wagner’s and Griswold’s. Any information on that size?
Hi Mark
Thanks for your question.
Sounds like your Dutch Oven is an old-timer. I believe Favorite Stove and Range made Dutch Ovens in four sizes and number 10 being the largest. From your description I’d say the lid on the oven is flat rather than domed which is often seen on the smiley logo ovens. Which probably indicates your oven was made in the early part of the company’s history.
Hope this helps
I have my mom’s Favorite Piqua Ware #8 skillet in really good condition. Very seasoned with lots of carbon on the bottom and outside. Inside is fabulous, smooth with no cracks. What would be the best way to remove the carbon buildup to restore this beauty? Or do I even want to? Love your site, by the way. My son got interested in Wagner and Griswold that someone gave him and we found your site.
Hi Ben
Thanks for getting in contact and I really appreciate your kind words.
I’m sure your mum is very happy that you want to restore her old skillet. It sounds like your family heirloom may benefit from removing the years of build up and applying a fresh layer of seasoning. The two preferred methods for removing carbon build up by enthusiasts are: setting up an electrolysis or lye tank.
However, for one skillet there are two common methods. One uses oven cleaner with the active ingredient being lye and the other is setting your oven on self cleaning mode. There are some very good YouTube videos on both methods. I prefer the second method, if that’s an option. But make sure it’s a nice fine day so you can open all the windows. Also try to get as much gunk off as you can to reduce smoke.
If you’re using the oven cleaning method there are some precautions to take such as using vinegar and water to neutralize the caustic soda so please watch the videos to the end.
It’s brilliant another generation is interesting in protecting these old treasures.
Once again thanks for your question and good luck with your restoration project.
Hey Sir
Good article! I had one piece of Piqua Ware, a real nice #8 I found in an old stove when I was working at a junkyard. It had the best finish on cast-iron I have ever seen! I mean it was like glass and light.
Hi Ron
Thanks for sharing your lucky find.
Finding an old Piqua Ware was one lucky day. I’m guessing you had a big smile when you found that little beauty.
I really appreciate your feed back on the article, you’ve made my day.
Why does my skillet look like brass?
Hi, Kevin thanks for the message.
There could be several reasons for this but if I was to guess without seeing your cast iron. I’d say your cookware is or was one plated with chrome or nickel. Favorite Stove and Range did plate some of their cast iron. Because of the age of these pans, plating is often worn off. However, there is a noticeable color difference between plated and bare cast iron. Sometimes plated cast iron appears bronze or copper.
Both chromium and nickel are used in modern stainless steel cookware today which helps rust prevention and to make the cookware nonreactive to acidic foods.
Regarding the #9 Dutch oven by Favorite Piqua Ware. Is that size rare or did they not make very many? I have searched and searched and have not yet found one. With my shape,brand ,or size.
Hi Robin,
The Favorite Stove and Range Company were pretty big players. They manufactured a wide range of cast iron hollowware including Dutch ovens. I guess your oven has a smiley logo on it.
Piqua Ware Dutch ovens are around but you’re more likely to come across Griswold and Wanger ovens. I often see number #8 and #9 for sale and occasionally they are sold with a trivet. The company also made enameled versions.
I’ve seen two different versions of the cover. One domed while the other looks similar to the dome but flatter and grooved. The latter design is more scarce. However, both styles of lids I know of are rounded.
If this doesn’t sound like your oven, you’re welcome to in send a picture and I’ll have a look over it.
Cheers for the message Robin
Could I send you a picture. It has a flat lid ,bail handle. Flat bottomed. In very good shape.#9.
Hi Robin
Feel free to send over a picture or two. If you’re on mobile just, type contact in the search bar. It should bring up the contact page.
I have a Favorite Piqua Ware #9 cast iron Dutch oven with handle and lid in very good condition. How do I find out how old it is and what it’s worth if I sell it? It has a flat lid and has a flat bottom.
Hi there Robin
Thanks for getting in contact.
I’d have a look on eBay to see the current asking prices. The sold listings on eBay is a good way to find out what people willing to pay. You can also compare the condition of your Dutch oven with other Piqua Ware Dutch ovens and to see if it has the correct lid.
Just keep in mind online asking prices are often higher than other selling methods. I’d say you’re looking at Circa 1916-1935.
Hope this helps with your decision