Learn the history of Wapak Hollow Ware Co. and how to identify your cast iron
For those who collect vintage or antique cast iron, Wapak Hollow Ware Co, or more simply Wapak, is a familiar name and the cookware is highly prized among collectors. In this article you can learn the history of the company and how to date and identify different cast iron cookware made by Wapak using logos and markings.
Wapak cast iron might be lesser known compared to the Wagner or Griswold brands but it is just as collectible.
In fact, some Wapak pieces can command very high prices at auction. Especially for the rare and ornate logos, such as the Wapak Chicken Foot and the Indian Head logo. You’ll be able to recognize these logos after reading this article.
Here’s what you can expect
- Learn the history of the Wapak Hollow Ware Co
- Characteristics of Wapak cast iron
- Learn the logos Wapak used in production to help identify and date your cookware
- Considerations if you want to buy or collect Wapak cast iron
Table: History of Wapak Hollow Ware Co.
Founders | The company was founded by a group of business entrepreneurs that were also active in running the company Milton Bennett (President), Marion Stephenson (Secretary), Harry Bennett Treasurer, Charles Stephenson, S.P. Hick |
Operational dates | Wapak Hollow Ware Co. manufactured cast iron products from 1903-1926 |
Located | The foundry was located in Wapakoneta Ohio on Krein and Willipie streets. |
Start up costs | The company had starting assets of approximately $20,000 of which most came from machinery and fixtures totaling $18,383.07 Source Dodds, D. Knipp, Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership (2010) Wapakoneta (Images of America) Arcadia Publishing page 58. |
Product line | Wapak manufactured a wide range of cast iron kitchenware which included: skillets, kettles, bean pots, Dutch Ovens, griddles and waffle irons. They also manufactured a large quantity of sad irons |
Wapak brands | The company made two lines of cookware under the following names: Wapak and Oneta |
Signature product | The company is best known for products with the Indian Head logo |
Reason for closure | Wapak Hollow Ware Company continued to make cast-iron products until the closure due to bankruptcy in 1926 |
After bankruptcy | Two employees of the bankrupt Wapak might have started their own foundry called Ahrens and Arnold. But sadly Wapak Hollow Ware did not restructure after filling from bankruptcy |

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What makes Wapak cast iron different?
If you are starting out collecting vintage cast iron you might want to consider collecting Wapak. Sure, you can collect the big players such as Griswold and Wagner but did you know Wapak also has a large group of loyal collectors?
Wapak manufactured a full line of cookware to collect and in my humble opinion the iron is full lot of character and personality. Luckily many Wapak cast iron currently available tends to be cheaper than some of the other manufacturers.
Here’s why Wapak great:
- the ironware might have a ghost mark
- Wapak ironware tends to have really smooth cooking surfaces
- Wapak cast-iron cookware is lighter than modern counterparts
- imperfections in the exterior which gives the cookware a real sense of personality
- some logos are very scarce and this makes collecting a lot of fun
Wapak Markings
Does your pan have a lighter embossed mark?
Can you see words slightly imprinted on your Wapak cookware? Yes, it’s a flaw in the casting but this flaw is highly prized by collectors. It is commonly referred to as a “ghost mark”. A ghost mark is another manufactures logo or wording on the base of the skillet or cookware. It is not uncommon to see âErieâ lightly embossed on Wapak skillets.

Why did Wapak cast iron have ghost marks?
- Wapak may have bought and used old molds from other foundries
- Wapak may have used other manufactures pans and used them as a template to make their own pans
A very questionable practice in today’s business world. However, copying other companies ideas or design is sadly still evident today.
If Wapak Hollow Ware did copy a leading manufacturer at the time it’s surprising they didnât try to cover up their efforts better. It may be the case that Erie skillets were so good that Wapak didnât mind letting consumers know that they used Erie molds.
Wapak skillets with Erie markings are very collectable. These markings are called ghost marks and are highly sought after by collectors.
Boonie Hicks
The cookware will be lighter and smoother than most cast iron made today
Wapak cast iron, like other vintage iron cookware made during the time, tends to be lighter. This is due to the manufacturer making cookware thinner than it is today. If you think cast-iron is heavy then a vintage/antique skillet could be right for you.
Although Wapak may not be a household name, they made fantastic glassy smooth cast-iron cookware.

Wapak cast iron may have imperfections but that’s why it has character
If you collect or search for Wapak cast iron, you may notice more casting flaws than other manufactures during the time. It’s not uncommon for Wapak skillets or kettles to have casting bubbles or the base of the cookware with a noticeable ripple of unevenly cast iron. For some, itâs an obvious flaw while for others it adds to the charm and characteristic of yesteryear pans.

Wapak Hollow Ware Co. logos and markings
Wapak cast iron has variety of different logos or markings which can indicate age and rarity. Currently, there are seven variations of the logo. Of the seven logos six use a Wapak logo. The seventh logo is Oneta. Oneta was at the time a lower grade or budget-friendly brand.
Wapak Indian Head logo: Circa 1903-1926
The most collectable and valuable of antique is the âIndian medallionâ, âNative Americanâ or âIndian headâ An amazing detailed logo. However, expect to pay a pretty penny if you come across one.

Wapak chicken foot logo: Circa 1903-1910
After the Indian Head, the next most sought after logo among enthusiasts is the Chicken Foot.


Wapak Arc logo: Circa 1903-1910
The logo has âWapak” in block lettering which is in a slight arc.

Wapak Straight Block logo: Circa 1903-1910
The Logo is in straight block lettering. The placement of this logo can vary from near the top to the logo or in the center. The logo can also be slightly above or below center. See the examples below to identify your Wapak.



Wapak “Z” logo: Circa 1903-1926
Interesting logo with characteristic styling. The most notable feature is the Z appearance of the Logo.


Wapak Tapered logo: Circa 1912-1926
The logo is tapered inward. The Wapak wording is bigger at the start with W being notably in a larger font and tapering inward and finishing with K which is notably smaller than the first letter.


Oneta logo: Circa 1912-1926
The word Oneta is straight in block writing.


Unknown marking: Can you help identify this skillet?

Collecting Wapak cast iron skillets and kettles
I have only one piece so I certainly can not call myself an authority on collecting Wapak cast iron. However, the skillet I own has an ultra smooth cooking surface which is just as smooth as my Griswold’s and Sidney Hollow Ware skillets. The Wapak skillet has the “Z” logo clearly stamped into the iron. It also has a heat-ring around the outside.
Considerations of Collecting Wapak cast-iron
- Wapak tends to have more cast or molding flaws which can add to the character. However, for many, it detracts from the desirability.
- Wapak cast iron can have very smooth cooking surfaces.
- Ghost marks are common in Wapak Hollow Ware cast iron. Check the base for âWagnerâ and also âErieâ lightly embossed on the iron.
- Like much of vintage or antique cast iron it may be important to check or ask how stable the iron sits on a flat surface. Does it rock or spin? Not like, say cast iron, which when not sitting flat is unusable, far from it. However, it does affect the value of vintage cast-iron.

Wapak Hollow Ware Co.
Although Wapak cast iron can be super smooth. Signs indicate Wapak foundry used Erie and Wagner cast iron templates or molds to make their cookware. Why did they use foundries molds or pans as a template? Surely Wapak was very skilled at making iron cookware because they had one of the most detailed logos on vintage cast iron, the âIndian headâ.
Wapak skillets can be just as finely made as to the more well known Wagner or Griswold cookware. Vintage Wapak cast iron goes under the radar like Favorite Piqua Ware and Sidney Hollow Ware. Wapak cast iron cookware may have more casting flaws, you might be able to pick up a Wapak for a better price than a Griswold or Wagner Ware. Keep an eye out for host marks and also those fancy âIndian heads piecesâ. They sure are good looking pans.
Happy cast iron hunting.
We have a #11 Wapak cast iron skillet with the Indian head medallion. Any idea what it is worth?
Hi Betsy
Thanks for your question.
You’re very lucky to have a Wapak with Indian head medallion. Skillets with this logo are highly sought-after by collectors, and skillets can sell for hundreds of dollars. Although, I must add there are fakes on the market. However, these tend to be poor copies of the original.
You might want to compare your skillet with the ones sold on eBay for an indication on value. Collectors will pay higher prices if the skillet is in good condition and sits flat. And the detail of the logo greatly affect value. If the face and headdress is detailed, and writing clearly readable, I would expect your skillet to be worth a pretty penny.
Congratulations
Hello: We have a 9″ Wapak “Z” cast iron pan (used almost daily!) that was my grandmother’s. But it has a layer of rust on the bottom. Is there an easy or safe way to clean that without hurting the integrity of the pan?
Also, we just found a Wagner Ware Sidney -o- skillet while cleaning out my parent’s house. Score for us.
Thanks.
Hi Barry
It’s really nice to hear from you.
I’m sure your grandmother is so happy that you’re treasuring her old skillet. I think the best way to remove rust is using the vinegar method. Unfortunately, I don’t currently have an article on the site. But there’s some very good videos on YouTube. Just search “how to remove rust from cast iron using vinegar.” This method works well, and it’s gentle on the iron surface.
Have fun restoring your skillet and nicely done finding a Wagner. That’s what I call a good day.
Cheers.
Hi Barry. I have several Griswold pans that had rust. I scrubbed them with a little water and coarse salt. When clean, rub them with a little oil and I put them on my outdoor grill on high for a little bit to season them. Hope this helps.
I’m not an expert either, let’s start with that.
I’ve been cooking with and trying to learn of early 20th century cast iron for probably 15 years now.
I want to thank you for your contribution. Every site before this one was maddening to find and even tougher to decipher. Yours is clearly laid out and easy to figure.
In your picture of the “Wapak block logo” there’s a 710c marking. My everyday skillet is that same #9. The 710c is a marking from the old Erie molds, as mine has the very faint “Erie” ghost-mark as well.
I’ve cooked with numerous cast iron over the years and the Wapak #9 I’m speaking of blows away the many Griswold’s I’ve owned. If it boils down to pure performance, as it does for me. Or collectibility…Wapak might be the way to go either way.
Hi there Joseph
I’m really pleased you’re getting a lot of use of your Wapak. Like you, I think Wapak cast iron is just as good as Griswold. And best of all collectors these wonderful pieces at lower prices.
Thanks, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the article. Hopefully there will be a few more in the coming months.
Cheers, have a good day.
Found a Wapak Ghost Indian Head #5 skillet great condition , what do you think ?
I think it’s your lucky day
Before putting in an offer check to see if the skillet sits flat or if it has a bow. I’d also check the sold listings on eBay to compare the sellers asking price. But otherwise congratulations, it sounds like a great find.
Good luck Steve
I have a wolf pack Skillet number 6 and it appears to be made out of steel do you have any information on it?
Hi Don
Thanks for your question.
Wow how wonderful. Unfortunately, I don’t have any information on your Wapak skillet. It sounds like a real beauty and a lot of collectors would like to get their hands on it. You’re welcome to send over a couple of pictures of your have time. I’d love to see what it looks like. booniehicks@gmail.com
Hopefully another collector might be able to share some information on it.
Cheers, for your question
Greetings,
Thanks so very much for providing this wealth of knowledge. I have gained an interest to WAPAK as I have collected a handful of these vintage treasures. Do you have a source of manufacturing dates of the different logos WAPAK made?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Lloyd
Thanks for the comment, I’m really glad you’ve found the article interesting. Your suggestion of dates is well worded and will greatly help those wanting to identify and date their vintage Wapak ironware. I’m just finishing another article and then I’ll add some dates to the article over the next couple of weeks.
Many thanks
Really enjoyed your article. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a WAPAK 7 oblong griddle. I can’t find any info on such a piece. Is it a griddle or a sad iron. My curiosity is peeked.
Hi Sandi
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the article.
It sounds like you have a Wapak long griddle probably made around 1903-1926. Cast iron trays used for heating sad irons are small and probably made in the 19th century. I’d most people heated their sad irons on a wood stove or stood them upright next to a fire.
Enjoy your Wapak
Hello. Thank you for the history of the Wapak Hollow Ware Company. I was wondering if you had any information on the lawn furniture they made. I have an edwardian-style cast iron bench made by the company in the 1920’s. I actually have the ad they used to advertise the settee which they priced at a whopping $11.50! Can you direct me to anyone who might help me value this piece? Or find a buyer?
Thank you.
Hi Christine
I’m glad you enjoyed the article and thank you for sharing the information on your Wapak cast iron bench. It seems the dollar stretched a bit further back then.
I recommend you contact an antique dealer or auction house in your area. The value on cast iron furniture can vary greatly, benches from the Coalbrookdale foundry can be worth a pretty penny while others not so much. However, an antique dealer should be able to point you in the right direction on the value and how to sell your bench for the best price.
Thanks for the contact.