How to Identify Wedgewood Cook Stove Antiques
Wedgewood Cook Stoves were made at the James Graham Manufacturing Co. in Newark, Calif. Originally called the "James Graham Foundry," they manufactured railroad parts and storm drains. Graham's death in 1902 prompted his two sons to take over the company. The famous Wedgewood cook stove debuted sometime around 1910, though references point to James himself inventing and making wood burning stoves circa 1882. Peaking in the 1940s, the company employed 450 people and was the largest manufacturer of stoves in the West. Rheem acquired the company in 1951.
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Instructions
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Examine the stove in question. Examine the marks on the back or inside. Wedgewood stoves were always marked, usually with a tin plate or manufacturing plaque somewhere on the stove. If the stove had a clock, this was often marked with the company's name on the tin plate below the clock. Other markings include a "Coat of Arms" that was popular in the '40s. Original stickers or paper labels may reference the model numbers, names of the Grahams or line names such as the "Super de Luxe."
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Compare traits. Through more than 45 years, Wedgewood's stoves changed makes and models to keep up with the ever-changing demand as in their slogan for "Quality, Fuel, Economy, and Service." Traits of these stoves were gas burners, mostly four per stove. These stoves would be of high quality, being heavily and sturdily built, weighing several hundred pounds or more each. Most resemble porcelain or heavy enamel outside with white the most common color, and said to have a rust-proof painted finish inside, with gray being the most common color. Handles were long, sleek and mostly mad of chrome. Sizes ranged from 3 feet to 60 inches, with the larger sizes more popular. Other traits include griddles on the cook tops, warming drawers or dual ovens. Some models included lights, electric clocks and even heaters.
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Reference the Internet. Since the Wedgewood name is sought after in stove quality, there are many sites dedicated to restoration sales; some offer parts and service of these stoves. Use keyword searches such as "Wedgwood Stoves" or "Wedgewood Antique Stove." Another way to search is to use image results for Wedgewood Stove to see if you can find your exact model.
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Consult a professional. If your stove has these traits, but you are still unable to identify it, invest in a low-cost appraisal. Online restoration sites and many online collector sites offer assessments for low fees, and this information can be obtained via the site or by calling them. They may need photos of your antique stove, areas such as knobs, inside and cook area, and description of damages such as nicks, chips, cracks and missing parts. It will also help to know if the stove works. Spending a few dollars may be worth knowing if your stove is authentic and worth much more.
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Tips & Warnings
Real Wedgewood stoves are fairly common; as of 1940, 75,000 stoves were being produced a year.
Many are still in use today and are sought after by collectors.
Because of the style of these stoves, it was common for other manufacturers to copy or make look-alikes. If your stove is unmarked, do adequate research before donning it a true Wedgewood.
