The "8" is the size designation of the bottom smoke ring for the size hole it will fit into on a coal or wood burning stove. Size designations are an old tradition that have carried over for decades since the use of such stoves.
No markings on the handle. The flash from the camera is very bright. The skillet is very black.
The surface is very smooth.
No factory polishing marks seen that would be more evident with more recent Lodge skillets. Sanded off some of the loose seasoning (unpolymerized oil), which is why it looks a little discolored. Indicates the skillet needs another pass in the oven dry before any other seasoning is added.
1957 Lodge Size 8 Skillet
Weight : 5 lbs. 6.6 oz.
A collection of images from a very smooth vintage Lodge skillet. This one is pre 1960's, but post 1950's automation. Difficult to place exactly when it was made. It doesn't show any signs of factory grinding on the skillet surface nor the exterior of the sides where the side gating pour was made. It is certainly one of the nicer automation type skillets, but not as nice as the hand poured ones made before the 1950's automation casting.
The flash from the camera makes the skillet look brighter than it normally does. You can zoom in on the images if you mouse over them. During autoplay zoom is disabled. Shrinking the browser window will shrink its contents possibly making it easier to view the gallery.
Valued in the range of $30-$40.