

12 is a textbook example of why early Ohio iron has such a devoted following. At 13 1/8 inches wide and only 6.9 pounds, it is remarkably thin and light for its footprint-an immediate indicator of high-grade iron and confident foundry control. Lesser pans of this size feel clumsy.
The casting is clean and refined, with smooth transitions at the walls and handle, no excess flashing, and a graceful rim profile. Flip it over and the stamp tells the story plainly: "FAVORITE / PIQUA / WARE" with the size 12 crisply struck.
What truly sets this skillet apart is its geometry. It sits dead flat on a glass countertop -no wobble, no spin, no daylight under the rim. That's not luck; that's disciplined casting and slow, even cooling. It's the kind of detail serious cooks and collectors hunt for, because flat iron cooks evenly and stays stable on modern ranges.This pan has been properly restored and seasoned, ready for service. The cooking surface shows a deep, honest patina that reflects age and careful use rather than abuse. It's smooth without being over-polished, exactly what you want for long-term performance. Eggs, cornbread, steaks-this skillet is built for all of it, and it will only get better with time.
Why this skillet is special. Exceptional thin-wall casting for a No. Lightweight feel relative to its diameter.Dead-flat bottom (rare and increasingly hard to find). High-quality Ohio iron from Favorite Piqua Ware's golden era. Balanced handle design that feels secure despite the size. Restored, seasoned, and ready to cook. This is not a decorative wall hanger pretending to be cookware.
This is working iron from a period when American foundries competed on precision, not speed. Pieces like this are why collectors quietly upgrade and cooks refuse to go back. If you know, you know. If you don't-this is how you learn.