Forgotten Foundry: Martin Stove & Range Co

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Not quite 100 years ago, brothers W. H. and Charles Martin bought a bankrupt foundry in Florence, Alabama, along the Tennessee River in the northwest corner of the state. Renamed the Martin Stove & Range Company, the foundry soon expanded its line of coal- and wood-burning stoves to include cast-iron hollow ware—everything from skillets and griddles to Dutch ovens and saucepans. For the next 36 years, Martin Stove & Range Company made cast-iron cookware with its distinctive “hamburger” logo. The brand is highly collectible today.

Not quite 100 years ago, brothers W. H. and Charles Martin bought a bankrupt foundry in Florence, Alabama, along the Tennessee River in the northwest corner of the state. Renamed the Martin Stove & Range Company, the foundry soon expanded its line of coal- and wood-burning stoves to include cast-iron hollow ware—everything from skillets and griddles to Dutch ovens and saucepans. For the next 36 years, Martin Stove & Range Company made cast-iron cookware with its distinctive “hamburger” logo. The brand is highly collectible today.

The Martin brothers were not new to the cast-iron business. In the early 1900s, they were salesmen for the King Hardware Company of Atlanta, Georgia. Through their travels, they learned of a foundry for sale in Sheffield, Alabama, just across the river from Florence. The brothers convinced their employer, King Hardware, to buy the small foundry in 1905, and they became its managers. Rechristened the King Stove & Range Company, the foundry began making heaters, stoves, and ranges for King Hardware.

Twelve years later, the Martin brothers purchased the company from King Hardware. Shortly after that, they bought the Florence foundry and began making cast-iron cookware under both the King and Martin names.

For Jonathon Davis, a cast-iron collector who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, Martin cast iron has a unique appeal. He grew up in Iuka, Mississippi, about 35 miles west of Florence, just over the Mississippi state line, and he likes the idea of collecting something that was made close to home.

81 COMMENTS

  1. I don’t know who ended up with the first runs they packed in the eaves, but I ended up with a “Martin Stove and Range Company, Florence, Alabama” (molded into the back of the stove – molded to protrude) and number “6-32A” (molded on top – to protrude) and “King” and a crown (molded to protrude – maybe “cast” is the more applicable word – IDK. It’s part of the casting process, but it’s not like the cookware where the marks are cast “inward” – like carved. These all protrude outward) molded on the door. I’m trying to find some info about it, but it’s like pulling hen’s teeth and I’ve Googled myself crosseyed. Tons of stuff about the cookware. Hardly anything about the wood burning stoves. Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

    • Hi Stan! Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on Martin Stove and Range’s wood burning stoves. But, we’ll keep you updated if we’re able to find out anything.

    • There’s a man named Anthony at a store called Shooting Stars just a few miles from Florence, AL. He’s very knowledgeable about Martin. In fact, the Martin family shops there. He has King, Martin, Sheffield wood burning stoves, all things Martin, but he does not ship. I have videos and photos of everything in his store, with his permission, I can send to you. Call him ‭(256) 412-1462‬.

      • Sue , Carl From Goldsboro Pa. I recently acquired a Martin Wood and Coal Stove, Dated 1923 (?) the number on the plaque is M-15, I am looking for some help with this stove. it heats my 2 story farm house . MY issue is one of the shaker grates burned through and i am searching for a replacement. It was heard for Pea Coal and some one used Nut Coal and got the Stove to HOT! I tried to weld the cast grate however it did not hold and trying to find a foundry to recast the grate is useless. the foundries That were in operation in NorthEastern Pa have all closed within the last 15 yrs. ANY Help would be greatly appreciated. I am burning Wood in the Stove and have fashioned a Grate of sorts from a Cement / Rock Rake to hold the wood, but the draft is to mush and instead of burning 3 cords of wood for winter i went through 4-5 last year. Any Help in finding parts would be great! This is a Great Stove oh and where can i get MICA to replace the one in the door. I do have a small hole in it. Would Anthony be able to help ??

        • I’m not sure if the phone number would still locate Anthony. Just try. Ask questions. There are parts for sale that I see occasionally. Get on FB marketplace here. Get selling apps and set location to this area where foundry was. Sometimes an estate sale reveals riches in cast iron sitting in old barns.

          • Thank you! I greatly Appreicate it ,2 strokes 9/11/19 and the death of my partner 9/15/19 from that area as he was researching parts and MICA really set me back. God Bless you for your help. These ” NEW EPA’ efficient Stoves” really are a “HOOVER,” if you catch my drift.

          • Thank you SUE MEADOWS! I greatly Appreciate your help. ,I had 2 strokes 9/11/19 ( Imagine that ) and 6/20/20. After the death of my partner 9/15/19, and h was from that area He was researching the parts and MICA for the door. His Death really set me back. God Bless you for your help. These ” NEW EPA’ efficient Stoves” really are a “HOOVER,” if you catch my drift. LOL!!!

      • Hello, I just stumbled upon this article. I have a old (1917 approx) Martin wood burning cooking stove. I would love to learn anything about it and if I can still get parts.

      • I think I sold this guy an Amish wagon. I remember someone telling me he was buying Martin cast iron. I think his name was Anthony Dalrymple, I believe his store was in Littleville , Al on HWY 43. That’s been maybe 5 years ago. I just looked and the number you posted is the number I have in my phone so the above last name is correct.

  2. Hi, I also have a wood burning matin stove that was my fathers that I’m trying to find out about. My parents had the stove for years and my mother gave to me when my father passed away.
    I have been in the process of restoring and have questions about some of the features that the stove has.

    The stove No-1-37-16-16-A

  3. I am also looking for information on a wood burning stove, sounds just like Joe’s. Front door has white porcelain looking door with the name Marco Pride. Number on the back No 1-37-16-A; gift from an elderly friend, complete with a packed rat nest under the round cook plates. Hope to restore so any tips would be appreciated.

  4. This is for Sue Meadows. I live in New Mexico, and am especially interested in Martin Camp Dutch ovens. An old WWII Marine Corps buddy of mine, and I used these Dutch ovens for cooking outdoors in Carlsbad, New Mexico for many years before he passed. Anyway, long story short; I am hooked on these Dutch ovens; and would be interested to learn more from you about them. I have called the Shooting Stars place several times; but have not been able to connect with anyone. I don’t mind that he doesn’t ship; I have never been to that part of Alabama anyway. I would like to find a Martin 7 inch Camp Dutch oven to purchase sometime. Other than that; I have an 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. Recently bought an 11 inch Dutch oven, and a 9 inch “Dutch oven” style spider skillet. My email is mrosacker@gmail.com

    I fell out of using my Dutch ovens for a while; but am now getting back into it.

    Please touch base with me when you can. Especially if you, or someone else knows where I can purchase one of those Martin 7 inch Camp Dutch ovens (with the ash lip lid, and legs). Many thanks!

    • I’m sorry. I searched for the name and phone number. They must’ve closed up. Sorry. I really intended to return because it was the best I’ve seen. Anthony a good person. I know very little about finding Martins except when you get very lucky at a garage sale. Collectors will not part with them. I know a collector with two 16” camp Dutch ovens with the ash lid, but I wouldn’t even attempt to ask. Most collectors collect to keep them here in the South. But they do turn up here. Estate sales. Garage sales. You have a nice collection. And good memories. Sorry I couldn’t be of better help. Hate that Shooting Stars isn’t around anymore, for all of us.

    • Not sure if this is BSR or what. It’s 12” SPIDER WITH LID, cast iron, 1900’s, PICKUP IN MUSCLE SHOALS. It’s in FaceBook Marketplace. It’s $90. Just saw it and thought of you wanting one. May not be what you wanted. Hope you can find it. The lid handle is a tab, so seems to be Birmingham Stove and Range.

  5. I have a king 632a with martin stove and range co stamped on the back, I think it’s the same model as the one mentioned above. I picked it up at an estate sale about 2 months ago. If interested please email jrc9565@gmail.com, I’m willing to sell if I receive a reasonable offer! buyer would need to cover shipping! Pics available via email request.

  6. I have a perfection model 4 eye wood burning stove no 8-16. On the back it has martin stove & range co florence ALA in protruding numbers. It has a oven with access doors on both sides. Looking for manufactured year. I have looked everywhere can anyone help please!

    • I also have the same stove and would like to get more information on it. I would love to restore it as it has sentimental value.

      • I just picked up one in a vintage Shepard’s wagon – (Martin Stove and Range 8-16) have you found out anything? I am needing to understand the grates and fire box system…

  7. I have a martin Stove stamped with No. 816 on top By the vent pipe…CR-7-15-816 on the legs. Information is pretty impossible to come by for stoves they produced!!!!

  8. I have searched for years of a 5″ dutch oven foged in 1962. In had Shiloh 100th anniversary printed on the top. Pretty sure in was made by Martin. Do you know any info on this please, thank you

    • We’re sorry Steve, but we don’t have any information on that Dutch oven. Have you checked in with any cast iron collectors? They are great resources for this sort of question.

  9. I have a Martin #3 skillet, similar to the one shown in the next-to-the-last picture, above. However, the hamburger logo is upside-down in comparison to the one shown. That is to say, if the skillet is hung on a nail by the handle, the logo is upside down.
    Was this common in the Martin castings?

  10. I have allways used my 10″ cast iron skillet more than any other pan in my cupboard. I just recently started seeing articles about them on u-tube and got snake bit. I have googled many sites and decided i want to start collecting. I allready had a 12″ lodge, 12″ dutch oven and an oval 20″ with 5″ high sides and a lid. In the last 2 days at estate/garage sales i bought a 3 leg #7 kettle with gate marks, martin r & s and wagner 8″ skillets
    8″ skillet and a wagner 8 ” skillet for less than $10.00 total. Is it this easy or beginers luck? All are solid and only the 3 leg pot has very minor rust.

    • It sounds like you got quite the deal! Estate sales are great places to get good prices on cast iron, with antiques shops and swap meets also being good options. Pricing is always going to depend on the rarity of the piece and the knowledge of the seller. We always recommend doing a little online research on a pan before purchasing to see what it’s worth so you won’t overpay, and you’ll be able to tell if you’re getting a good deal.

  11. I’m trying to find out anything about an old iron clock face that was made at The Foundry Of The Shoals, INC stamped on the face. On the back of it is stamped 1998 with the letters L.O.B.? Can anyone help me with this?

    • We’re so sorry, but we don’t have any information on that piece or maker. There are many cast iron enthusiast groups on Facebook who may be able to help direct you!

  12. Does anyone have any information about the Martin Stove and Range Cast Iron Mold for making 11 bread sticks? Mold does NOT have “Hamburger Logo” but clearly labeled Martin Stove and Range. Florence Alabama. Thank You for any replies.

  13. Still looking for a 7 inch Martin Camp Dutch Oven.

    Does anyone know if they ever existed? I saw a 7 inch Martin Dutch Oven or Spider Skillet lid one time, in a second hand store, about 40 years ago. And have kicked myself ever since for not buying it. That is the only time I have ever seen a Martin 7 in “Camping” configuration. Regarding these outdoor “Camp Oven” styles; I can state my belief that Martin did make an 8 inch, 9 inch, 10 inch, 11, inch, 12 inch, 13 inch, 14 inch, and 16 inch. Fairly recently saw a 13 inch Martin lid on line (already sold; I won’t make that mistake a second time). But again; I don’t know if it came off of a Dutch oven or Spider Skillet. I am guessing that they may have made both, since the lids are interchangeable for the other sizes. If anyone can provide information, or even know where I might find a 7 inch Martin Camp Dutch Oven; my email address is mrosacker6@gmail.com.

    Many thanks!

    • You are the only person I can find who has heard of this company. I can’t find anything on them. However, I have located one of their stoves and I’m trying to buy it.

  14. Carl From Goldsboro Pa. I recently acquired a Martin Wood and Coal Stove, Dated 1923. the number on the plaque is M-15, I too am looking for some help with this stove. it heats my 2 story farm house . MY issue is one of the shaker grates burned through and i am searching for a replacement. It was supposed to burn Pea Coal i believe and some one used Nut Coal and got the Stove to HOT or banked to wrong for over night! I tried to weld the cast grate however it did not hold and trying to find a foundry to recast the grate is useless. the foundries That were in operation in NorthEastern Pa have all closed within the last 15 yrs. ANY Help would be greatly appreciated. I am burning Wood in the Stove and have fashioned a Grate of sorts from a Cement / Rock Rake to hold the wood, but the draft is to mush and instead of burning 3 cords of wood for winter i went through 4-5 last year. Any Help in finding parts would be great! This is a Great Stove oh and where can i get MICA to replace the one in the door. I do have a small hole in it. My Email wlfraven@ptd.net any help is greatly appreciated.

  15. I bought a Martin Brothers King wood and coal burning stove it has the King crown logo on the front door. It’s a model #624 to answer some questions from above we have found info that the King logo was removed from the front in the 1917 time frame. Because in 1918 the 2 companies actually split and the King stove side actually went away.

  16. I have a martin stove range marked 8-18a on the top and perfection on the door. What is a fair asking price for one as such ?

    • Hi Amy, we’d advise you to check out some of the cast iron groups on Facebook. Their members are much more familiar with individual pieces than we are. Martin Stove, Favorite, and CHF Cast Iron Collectors Forum and Cast Iron Cookware Identification are just two of the many groups that could help you.

  17. Hi, this response is from Monzella Estes.

    My father, Bob Tomlinson III, owned And operated The Foundry of the Shoals which was a spin-off of Martin Industries (aka. Martin Stove and Range, bought from the Kings at the turn of the 20th Century). The clock that was made in 1998 was a gift to clients at Christmas and meant to be reminiscent of older cast iron clocks. He also fashioned a doorstop, bookends, etc during the 12 Christmases that the company was in existence before his death.

    • Hi Charlotte. Can you tell me about the Foundry of the Shoals pig? Made as a gift when Martin closed, I’ve heard, anything more would be appreciated. How many were made, etc. thank you for jumping into the feeding frenzy. Do you know Anthony of Shooting Stars in Russellville/Sheffield. Not sure which city I was in when I was there. He said he knows some Martin Industries family members. Wish I could find him. His store’s collection was something. Also, do you know where the Foundry was located? Was it near the intersection of old Huntsville Road and Florence Blvd? Just wondering about this I heard. I’m close by. Thank you! Feel free to elaborate.

  18. I am trying to reach Sue Meadows who seems to know about Franklin Heaters no 98 king stove and Range co etc. I have this stove and want to sell it but don’t know it’s value. If you can forward this to Sue Meadows I would appreciate it. My email is aholiday11@yahoo.co. Thanks
    June Danaher

  19. Would you have information on a no.8 martin stove and range cast iron skillet with the wesson oil-snowdrift picture on the bottom?

  20. I have my grandmother’s Martin’s Queen wood cook stove.
    Looking for info to get the correct size oval-to-round stove pipe reducer.
    Thanks. Steve

  21. I have a pot belly stove with “MARTIN STOVE & RANGE CO. FLORENCE ALA” on back. Also “KING” emblem 632 on the front. 6-32A is on the top. The front slide dampner cracked and broke. Any suggestions on how to repair/replace? Thanks

  22. I was just gifted a martin iron skillet. Was given to a friend in 1982 by a neighbor. Any way of telling how old this piece is?

  23. I was given a cast iron stove and it has heard in the cast iron. The door has a heart on it. In the heart has the number 26 and the letter R. Does anyone have any information on this stove?

  24. or Charlotte Tomlinson I knew your Dad. I worked at Martin Industries from 1975 to 1990., primarily in Huntsville. I have been in the Foundry, several times. The Engineering Department was in Florence on Royal Avenue. Lewis Martin was my Boss. My office was net door from Frederick Martin, fther o Lewis and Brother to George H Martin

  25. I am looking to locate any of the Martin family as I have some records from the foundry I think they would be interested in having. I would also like to see if a film maker is interested in making a documentary about the family and the foundry. I live in Florence. Thank you.

    • I know a granddaughter of the family. I can maybe pass your info on to her. She is a private person so don’t want to post her name here.

  26. Looking for some parts for my Martin 8-18a range. The long screws(17 and7 inch). Have broken. They hold the whole thing together. Does anyone know where I might find those

  27. I have a Perfection salesman sample stove. Very good condition. Can anyone tell me anything about it? When it may have been made or maybe the current value. Thank you in advance.

  28. I think I bought a fake number 3 Martin cast iron skillet on eBay. The hamburger logo is not crisp. One side of the top edge and thin. The cooking surface is not as smooth as it could be.

  29. I have a small cast iron stove marked plainly with raised letters “Martin Stove and Range , Florence, Alabama, No. 8”. This stove is a “corn cob” stove designed to burn corn cobs. It stands 18 1/2″ high and the top is approx. 19″ x 11″. It has two removable round plates recessed in the top and the top center section is also removable. It has 2 small doors in front. One is for adding corn cobs and the other is for removing ashes. The cast iron grate at bottom of firebox has an integrated handle for dumping ashes. Can someone tell me more about this stove or direct me somewhere I can obtain more info? It is in pretty doggone good condition and even has the little handle for removing the grates. Thanks for any help.

  30. I am married to one of the granddaughters of Mr Martin who tells me the stories about it what happened when she was a little girl let me see what she knows about any of this stuff I was trying to buy in her a couple of Martin skillets just for fun. Jim

  31. I am married to one of the granddaughters of Mr Martin who tells me the stories about it what happened when she was a little girl let me see what she knows about any of this stuff I was trying to buy in her a couple of Martin skillets just for fun.

  32. I have a Martin stove and range co .but don’t know what it is intended to be used for I have used it while camping for hot dogs and link sausage. It has 11 places that I can cook hot dog or link sausage in.can you tell me what it is and date it. Thank you I als have a grill that is stamped on the back as a Wagner grill original 1981 .

  33. I found your article interesting and informative, yet disheartening. My husband and I are trying to salvage a Martin woodburning cook stove and need a few parts and perhaps a diagram. I love this old stove. It says Happy Home on the white door panel. I have found so little information on the internet. Finding a stove that is similar would help. Anybody with info, please comment.

  34. Mark Rosacker here. Many thanks to the kindness of other collectors! Due to their help, I lucked out the other day and was able to locate and purchase a 7″ Martin Country Skillet in typical Dutch Oven form, except that it has a rat tail handle as opposed to lugs on the sides of the pot for a wire bail. I am still looking for a 7″ Martin Camp DO with the wire bail and a 13″ Martin Camp DO lid! There are a group of kind and generous people out there in the cast iron collecting world!

  35. I have 2 Martin #8 skillets. Both have hamburger logo and heat ring, but one has 3 notches in the heat ring. Is it worth more?

  36. Does anyone have the schematics for a Martin Stove and range #8?
    Here are a few marks off of the parts I have to it.
    f18 M
    8-D
    Thanks you..

  37. Dottye Lou Martin McCain
    Ah, I remember well the fun at Christmas when the Martin families would gather at Uncle Will’s house in Sheffield and fix food baskets for all the employees of MSRC.. then we would go to the foundries and give out the baskets and Uncle Will gave all the children silver dollars. There was a foundry in Guntersville too, I think, but no one seems to remember it.

  38. I have a Martin 8-16 Perfection Wood Stove… with 4 round cook top burner plates on the top.
    I have never used it…
    Could some one explain to me where the firebox is located for putting in the wood logs? Or are you supposed to use coal? or something else??
    It does have a large space that appears to be an oven with a metal rack? If anyone can help me with the answers I would greatly appreciate it.
    Virginia Carroll email… ginway73@gmail.com

  39. I bought a Martin Stove needing a top and some legs not sure how old it is but it has King 628 stamped on top and on front door along with it being made in Florence Alabama anyone who can help me is appreciated thank you have a blessed day

  40. i recently bought a martin stove and range double skillet which was in good condition and i re- season it and i hope to find more of there products

  41. I live in Sheffield, Al. Where one Martin foundry was located. Then about 6 mile away was the florence one. I am in need of a No’s 9& 12 skillets. To finish this set. Any help will be appreciated. dwightkerby@yahoo.com also buy stoves .. Thank you !

  42. Hello all,
    I have a Martin #8 dutch oven kettle with lid. I received this item as a gift. Could anyone tell me of possible value? It’s in mint condition as well.

  43. I have a Martin Griddle with the hamburger logo on the underside. It’s approximately 9”x20” and has the number 8 on one handle. Does anyone know if many were made? I can’t find any information on Martin griddles.

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