Sunday, October 27, 2013

BENJAMIN & MEDWIN CAST IRON COOKWARE

Some claim this brand is a Chinese Import produced Cast Iron.  Some say produced for Montgomery Wards and termed them vintage.  Others indicate they were produced for promotional purposes.


We have found these listed on ebay for $9.99 and not selling.  Therefore we rate these as Non-Collectable.  Though these are quite functional and usable for cooking.

 Heavy and rough surfaces similar to newer modern day Lodge.  Not lighter and smooth as found with vintage Griswold/Wagners.

circa: After 1960 or perhaps 2002-2010

Interestingly enough we did find info that Benjamin & Medwin, Inc filed for a US Trademark in 2002, listed as in New York 10001.  This Trademark shows CANCELLED-Section 8 in 2010.  They were listed as Goods and Services: Cookware, namely non-electric pots, frying pans, griddles and skillets.  We could not find a symbol for this trademark to confirm any of this info.

We further found warnings that some Benjamin & Medwin cast iron was Pre-seasoned with peanut oil during the manufacture process.  Further stating this cookware should not be used to prepare foods for those who may be adversely affected by peanuts or peanut oil.

We would appreciate more info, photos, or history on this manufacturer.  Readers please email us your info.  Thanks!

BENJAMIN & MEDWIN FRYING PAN 11 1/2 Top view

BENJAMIN & MEDWIN FRYING PAN 11 1/2 Top of handle view

BENJAMIN & MEDWIN FRYING PAN 11 1/2 Bottom of handle view

BENJAMIN & MEDWIN FRYING PAN 11 1/2 Exterior bottom markings


BENJAMIN & MEDWIN FRYING PAN 11 1/2 Bottom view

13 comments:

  1. I bought one of these skillets at Good Will for a give away price. I found some additional information on them. Note the reference in the first article which states that these skillets have a "coating". The other link discusses the coating by the company.
    http://www.thefreelibrary.com/A+new+cast+on+iron+cookware.-a017435913
    http://www.whitfordww.com/housewares/quantum2.html


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  2. Interesting info you shared. I tried to find more on the Quantam2 coating. It appears more like it is used in place of Teflon. I can't find where it is used on these traditionally looking cast iron skillets. Would like to know more if someone has more info. I have several of these small skillets I use for everyday cooking and baking.

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  3. I own a grill pan made by them that I purchased maybe later 1999 or 2000. Has held up and performed well

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  4. I have 2 small B&M cast iron skillets. I was born in 1960 and my mother cooked with them for as long as I can remember.

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    Replies
    1. Is there a country of origin stamped anywhere on those pans?

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  5. I've had a 12" since 1989 and used a lot, still going strong...

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  6. We have just bought one at ARC. It was covered with gunk so bad, that we could not see the underside at all. It's been in a lye bath for about a week now, and the gunk started coming off. Turned out it was Benjamin & Medwin. So far I don't see the country of origin on the bottom. Also, the pan is smooth inside and surprisingly light. I read somewhere that it could not have been factory seasoned - because of the smoothness. Any idea if this was indeed made in China, or could it have been made in the USA?

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  7. Some claim this brand is a Chinese Import produced Cast Iron. ... icastironskillet.blogspot.com

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  8. I have one that I bought in 1995 at a local Target store. It came unseasoned that I seasoned myself. No indication of where it was made on the pan at all. There might have been in the box, but that's so long time ago. I use mine nearly daily basis.

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  9. I have just pulled out my cast iron to season and start cooking on them, and 2 of them are like brand B&M, i hope that i am seasoning them correctly since i have never used them before and not sure if they are good to cook on but as soon as its all done, i will cook on them and hope for the best.

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  10. I have one that my wife inherited from one of her professors, who said she had it for decades. It's not glass-smooth, but it's smoother than a Lodge. It also has no country of origin stamp.

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  11. We’ve owned our little 6.5 in skillet for thirty years, and for what ever reason bacon and beans always taste best if eaten right out of the pan. Great on kayak trips, because a it can be cleaned easily with a handful of sand and some seaweed. I once also used it as an anchor just to keep me from drifting on the rocks. Next to the dog it’s a mans best friend👍

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