Although these skillets do not have the Lodge logo (as most do not), they do have the 3 notches in the smoke ring in the 9,12 and 3 o'clock position. The 8 stands for size 8 and the SK stands for skillet. The "MADE IN THE USA" was added by Lodge to their skillets somewhere around 1968. This was a response to inferior Asian cookware flooding American markets.
The interior is smooth, but not as smooth as ones made before machine automation starting in the 1950's. All three of these have tiny dimples in the interior that does not affect cooking ability.
No markings underneath the handle.
The exteriors do not have a rough finish like the ones made today.
The Lodge skillets tend to be a little thicker and heavier than other manufacturers from the past.
Hard to tell from the image but there is a number 3 on the underside of the handle.
If you look to the left side of the image near the top edge you will see many vertical lines that are actually grinding marks from the factory where the "side gating" pour was made. Almost all skillets have them.
The size 3 skillet is useful for reheating, but not so good for cooking. It has a very small cooking surface.
The interiors of all three of these skillets are smooth, but look a little discolored. This doesn't affect their cooking ability.
Hard to tell from the image, but there is a number 3 on the underside of the handle which is probably there to identify which cast this skillet came from. This helps the factory find defective or worn out casts.
Most collectible skillets have been bought by collectors long ago and as a result only unmarked or recent vintage ones are to be easily found at second hand stores, yard sales and the like. The great news is that they are inexpensive and each one can be had for about $5 or so. Cheaper and better than brand new.
1983 Lodge Skillet Set Sizes 8,5 and 3
Weight : Size 8 4 lbs. 13.7 oz., Size 5 3 lbs. 3.1 oz., Size 3 2 lbs. 0.8 oz.
A collection of images from 3 vintage cast iron skillets made somewhere around 1983. Lodge didn't mark their pans with their logo after the 1930's through the mid 1980's. Typically, Lodge skillets have 3 notches in their heat ring : one in the 9, 12 and 3 o'clock position. These three skillets were found together and in very good condition. They were probably purchased at the same time and didn't appear to have been abused or used very much. Unlike the Lodge skillets made today or even 25 years ago, these skillets happen to have smooth interior surfaces. They cook well and don't cause any problems. The nice thing is that Lodge makes lids for the size 8 and 5 today that will fit. The size three lid isn't available from Lodge, but there is a amber glass Pyrex lid will fit and is still in production today. There is an abundance of them in thrift stores. Unfortunately recent vintage Lodge skillets aren't worth very much. On the other hand, they are certainly worth having if the price is right and they are in "ready to use" condition.
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Valued in the range of $20 - $30 for all three.