Griswold Cast Iron: History, Logos, Value & Collector Guide
Everything collectors want to know about vintage Griswold cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens and waffle irons — how to identify genuine Griswold, date it by its logo, check its value, and the best modern skillets with the same smooth feel.
Griswold Cast Iron Books & Price Guides
Genuine Griswold hasn’t been made since the 1950s, so the best buys for collectors are the reference books that help you identify, date and value each piece before you spend money.
The Book of Wagner & Griswold
- Collector reference for Griswold & Wagner
- Logos, patterns & catalog numbers
- Helps identify and date pieces
The Book of Griswold & Wagner (2nd Book)
- More Griswold & Wagner pieces
- Plus Favorite, Wapak & Sidney
- Photos for identification
Griswold Cast Iron, Porcelain & Aluminum – A Price Guide
- Griswold price guide reference
- Covers cast iron & other lines
- Useful before buying or selling
The Cast Iron Collector’s Bible
- Practical collector guide
- Identification & restoration tips
- Beginner friendly
Griswold and Wagner Cast Iron Cookbook
- Recipes for vintage cast iron
- Skillets, griddles & Dutch ovens
- Great gift for collectors
A Short History of Griswold Manufacturing
Griswold began in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1865 and grew into one of America’s most respected cast iron makers. Its skillets, griddles, Dutch ovens, waffle irons and specialty pans (muffin, cornbread and popover pans) were known for finely ground cooking surfaces and consistent quality.
The company was sold in 1957 and production in Erie ended, which is why vintage Griswold cast iron is now a collectible. Rare sizes and early logos can sell for far more than common pieces, while everyday #8 and #10 skillets remain popular with home cooks.
Modern Skillets With a Vintage Griswold Feel
Griswold skillets are prized for thin walls, light weight and a glass-smooth cooking surface. These modern makers aim for the same experience — new, ready to cook and without hunting estate sales.
Stargazer 12" Cast Iron Skillet (Made in USA)
- Smooth machined cooking surface
- Lightweight, vintage-inspired
- Made in USA
Field Company No.8 Cast Iron Skillet
- Lighter, smooth-surface skillet
- Classic No.8 sizing like vintage pans
- Pre-seasoned
Field Company No.5 Small Cast Iron Skillet
- Small smooth skillet
- Eggs & side dishes
- Pre-seasoned
Backcountry Iron 12" Smooth Wasatch Skillet
- Smooth-polished surface
- Vintage-style design
- Pre-seasoned
Lodge Cast Iron: The Everyday Alternative
Lodge is the classic American cast iron still made today — heavier and textured, but tough and affordable.
Lodge 10.25" Cast Iron Skillet
- America’s classic everyday skillet
- Pre-seasoned, ready to cook
- Budget-friendly
Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
- Large family-size skillet
- Pre-seasoned
- Oven, stove & campfire
Lodge 8" Cast Iron Skillet
- Small skillet for eggs & cornbread
- Pre-seasoned
- Great starter pan
Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven
- Dutch oven + skillet lid
- Bread, braises & stews
- Pre-seasoned
Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Loop Handles
- Classic Dutch oven
- Even heat for slow cooking
- Pre-seasoned
Lehman’s Cast Iron Waffle Maker
- Two-piece stovetop waffle iron
- Old-fashioned cast iron design
- Like the classic Griswold waffle irons
Cast Iron Care & Restoration Essentials
Restored a flea-market Griswold skillet? Keep the seasoning strong with the right oil and a chainmail scrubber.
Culina Cast Iron Seasoning Oil
- Seasoning & conditioning oil
- For vintage and new cast iron
- 8 oz bottle
Knapp Made Chainmail Scrubber
- Stainless chainmail scrubber
- Cleans without stripping seasoning
- Ideal for restored pans
How to Identify Genuine Griswold Cast Iron
Fake Griswold cast iron is common at flea markets and online. Check these details before you buy a “vintage Griswold cast iron skillet.”
Griswold logo
Look for the cross-in-circle trademark on the bottom. Logo styles — slant, large block and small block — help date a piece. Unmarked Griswold pieces exist but are harder to verify.
Markings & numbers
Genuine pieces show “ERIE, PA., U.S.A.”, a size number (like 8) and a pattern number (like 704 on a #8 skillet). Crisp, even lettering is a good sign.
Weight & finish
Griswold is noticeably lighter than modern cast iron, with a smooth, almost polished cooking surface. Rough, sandy texture usually means a reproduction.
Handle & casting
Look for clean casting lines, a well-shaped handle and heat ring details that match the era. Blurry details often point to a recast copy.
Griswold Cast Iron Value & Price Guide Basics
What is your Griswold worth? These factors matter most.
Size & rarity
Common sizes (#8, #9, #10) are the most affordable. Small (#0–#3) and large (#13, #14, #20) skillets are rarer and worth more.
Logo & era
Earlier logos and unusual markings usually command higher prices than late small-logo pieces.
Condition
Cracks, warping or heavy pitting cut value sharply. Flat, wobble-free pans with clean surfaces sell best.
Where to buy & sell
eBay and Etsy are the main markets for vintage Griswold cast iron; a printed price guide helps you avoid overpaying.
Griswold Cast Iron FAQ
Is Griswold cast iron still in business?
No. Griswold Manufacturing of Erie, PA was sold in 1957 and the original Erie production ended. All genuine Griswold cast iron is vintage.
Why is Griswold cast iron so expensive?
It’s no longer made, it is lighter and smoother than most modern cast iron, and collectors compete for rare sizes and logos.
How do I date a Griswold skillet?
Mainly by its logo and markings — slant logo, large block logo and small block logo pieces come from different eras. Collector books show each variation.
Griswold vs Lodge — which is better?
Griswold is lighter with a smoother surface; Lodge is heavier, textured and affordable new. Many cooks use both.
What size is a Griswold #8 skillet?
The #8 is the classic family size, roughly 10½ inches across the top — the most common Griswold skillet.
Collect Griswold With Confidence
Learn to identify, date and value every piece with a collector guide.
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