Griswold Cast Iron Skillets Simple Identification Guide.

Griswold cast iron skillet size number 10.

Do you have a Griswold cast iron skillet and want to know its age or how to identify it using Logos? In this article, you can learn to date and recognize your Griswold cast iron using markings and logos.

I will focus on the dates and logos for collectible cast iron skillets manufactured by Selden & Griswold and Griswold Manufacturing Company between 1873 and 1957.

 Table Of Contents

  • Selden & Griswold cast iron
  • Erie cast iron
  • Griswold cast iron skillet logos.
  • Victor cast iron
  • Iron Mountain
  • Good Health cast iron.
  • Best Made skillets
  • Puritan cast iron
  • Merit cast iron

Learn To Date And Identify Your Griswold Cast Iron. 

Griswold cast iron identification guide
How old is my Griswold Skillet? Well, get your old pans out of the cupboard. Because this article is a guide to identify and date your old skillets.

Griswold Manufacturing Background


Origins

Griswold Manufacturing Company dates back to 1868 when it was a small operation making door hinges.

Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company
(1873-1884)

The Selden and Griswold family business became the Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company.

Griswold Manufacturing Company
(1885-1957
)

The company grew to one of America’s largest and most respected cast-iron manufacturers of the 20th century.

Reasons For Collectibility

Cast Iron collectors highly regard Griswold cast iron skillets, and they are sought-after because of their smooth cooking surfaces and lighter weight.

Desired And Rare Skillets

Look out for the first series of Erie and Erie Spider skillets. These two skillets stand out as the most sought-after by collectors.

Also, rare sizes such as the Griswold #13 and #20 do not come up for sale often, but these large skillets can sell for a handsome sum when they do.

Most Valuable Griswold Skillets
The Erie Spider and Griswold 13 can cost a pretty penny.
But the most valuable Griswold skillet is your family skillet.
Family skillets vary in size and condition and have various logos. However, they are the most treasured and loved family heirlooms.
How old is my Griswold skillet
Collectors and enthusiasts look at a few determining factors to tell the age of vintage cast iron.

Selden & Griswold Cast Iron 1873-1884

Matthew Griswold and two brothers from the Selden teamed up and started to make door hinges in 1868. Their factory was known as the Butt Factory, named after the door hinge (butt hinge) manufactured in the casting works.

Vintage photo of Matthew Griswold
Matthew Griswold, the founder of the Griswold Manufacturing Company

Selden & Griswold started to manufacture hollowware in 1873. But most of the cookware with this logo was probably made in the 1880s. Even though Mathew Griswold bought out the company in 1884, he still used the Selden Griswold logos.

After all, Griswold would have taken a lot of time and money to register new patent designs. And to make new molds. Check out our other article to learn about the history of Griswold ManufacturingWikipedia also has some information on Griswold. Although I hope my article is a little more detailed.

Griswold Vintage Waffle Iron
Selden & Griswold waffle iron. The company manufactured other ironware, but I have only seen waffle iron come up for sale.

How Old Is My Griswold Cast Iron Skillet? Logo Approximate Dates


“Erie” Logo
Made around 1880-1907

Griswold’s Erie
(Griswold diamond logo)

Circa 1884-1910

Style changed
Griswold’s Erie

Circa 1905-1906

Griswold introduced a new logo design known as the circle cross logo.
Slant Logo

With heat ring circa 1906-1916

Slant Logo With E.P.U.

Circa 1906-1929

Slant Logo Without Erie

No Erie under logo circa 1909-1920

Griswold With Large Block Logo

Without italic lettering, 1920-1930

Large Block Logo
(Without Heat Ring)
Circa 1930-1939

Griswold Large Slant Logo
(Without Heat Ring)

1939-1944

Small Block Logo
Notable reduction in logo size. Circa 1939-1957

Erie Cast Iron (Approximation Date 1880-1907)

Erie cast iron is one of the most sought-after vintage cast iron brands you can collect. Griswold used this logo between 1880 and 1907.

Erie cast iron
Erie cast iron was manufactured between 1880-1907. Over the years, Griswold made slight changes to the Erie line. Such as the handle, Erie logo, and the pattern number in the center. In total, there are six known series of Erie skillets.

Erie cast iron skillets are very thin and light. Because of this, they are more prone to warping. So when you buy an Erie online, ask the seller if the skillet rocks or spins. That said, I would not look past an Erie skillet just because it has a little movement.

Erie skillets are also known to be super smooth and are often priced similarly to other vintage pans.

Some foundries used Erie skillets as a template to make their molds. So you may find Sidney Hollow Ware and Wapak Skillets with an Erie ghost mark

If you have an Erie skillet, you can further break the Erie logo into six different variations. The Wagner and Griswold Society has an article on the markings and variations of the Erie skillets.

Close up photo of the Erie logo. Erie logos were used on cast iron skillets made by Griswold Manufacturing Company.
Erie cast iron skillets are super light and smooth. However, if the skillet was used on coal or wood range. It may have pitting marks on the base. It is not uncommon for an Erie skillet to have pitting.

Look at the back of your cast iron Griddle, and if you see a diamond logo. Then it is your lucky day. The Griswold Diamond logo is an early logo that is more scarce than other logos.

Griswold Griddle with Diamond logo
This is not a skillet, but I thought including this logo could be helpful. It is called the Dimond logo, and you will likely see it on Griswold Griddles.

Griswold manufactured griddles with this logo circa 1884-1910. The logo is in the center of the backside. Unfortunately, the center is an area often damaged by sulfur pitting.

Griswold Erie diamond logo.
Griswold Erie Diamond Logo is often found on griddles rather than skillets circa 1884-1910.

Griswold’s Erie Trademark

Griswold used this logo somewhere between 1905-1909. There are conflicting dates, so I used a conservative timeline. Since Griswold used the Griswold’s Erie logo for a shorter time, these skillets can be harder to find.

The Griswold’s Erie logo is the first Griswold logo. It transitions from previously used Erie logos to Griswold logos. However, Griswold’s Erie logo shares similarities with Erie skillets.

Sizes

Look for Griswold’s Erie skillets between sizes 6-9 and 11 to 12.

Griswold's Erie cast iron skillet. This skillet was only made between circa 1905-1909
Griswold’s Erie logo circa 1905 to 1906. Great logo and is a little harder to find.

Griswold Slant Logo With Heat Ring And No E.P.U.

The slant logo is the first of the famous Griswold skillet logos. The Griswold Manufacturing company used the Slant trademark from 1906 to 1916. these dates give a slightly broad timeline, and cast iron enthusiasts would narrow this timeline down.

Griswold skillet with slant logo. Slant logo without the EPU markings.
Griswold Slant Logo without EPU. You can see this is missing the words Erie PA., U.S.A under the logo.

The Griswold slant logo is easy to recognize with the word Griswold in italics. Also, the Slant logo has characteristics that differ from Erie and Griswold’s Erie skillets.

Changes Griswold Made On Their Slant Logo Skillets.

  • The size number on the base of the skillet moved from the 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock position. 
  • The word Erie is below the Griswold logo. The early Erie skillets have the marking at 12 o’clock. 
  • The pattern number moved from the center of the skillet to 6 o’clock on the skillet to make room for the Griswold circle cross logo.
Griswold cast iron "Erie" and Erie markings
Does your slant logo pre-E.P.U. have “ERIE” in quotation marks or ERIE without quotation marks? If you know why Griswold did this please, let me know in the comments.

Griswold Slant Logo Sizes

Slant logo sizes range from 1-14. The largest skillet with the Griswold Slant logo is #14. A Griswold #13 slant logo can cost thousands of dollars to the serious collector. The skillet has to be in excellent condition to achieve this price.

Griswold cast iron skillet No9.
Griswold slant logo skillets without EPU mostly do not have a number on the handle.

Griswold Slant Logo With E.P.U. And Heat Ring

The Griswold slant trademark changed to add the words cast iron skillet in an arc at 12 o’clock on the skillet. The E.P.U. refers to the wording Erie PA., U.S.A., on the skillet. 

The slant logo, however, remained the same. Again, I cannot pinpoint the exact date of manufacture of the Griswold slant logo with E.P.U. If you have a Griswold slant logo with E.P.U., the manufacture date is around 1909-1929.

Griswold cast iron skillet No 8with EPU.
Griswold slant logo with EPU. What’s EPU mean? It’s an abbreviation standing for Erie PA., U.S.A which is seen under the Griswold logo. Note the heat rings in the number 8 skillets tend to be more rounded.
Griswold skillet size number 10
Griswold Slant Logo with EPU. Note the size number is now stamped on the handle.

Slant Logo Without Erie Marking

I have only seen this trademark used on a few Griswold cast iron skillets. It seems to be quite rare. The logo is the same as the Slant logo without the E.P.U. wording on the skillet. This logo also omits the marking Erie.

Griswold skillet with slant logo no Erie
Here is a Griswold skillet which is a little different. It lacks the Erie marking under the circle cross logo.

Griswold cast iron skillets without Erie marking have a manufacture date of around 1909 to 1920.

Sizes available: I have only seen the large slant logo without Erie on size #9 skillets. I do not know of other skillet sizes that came with this logo.

Griswold cast iron skillet missing the Erie under the logo.
The Erie is missing underneath the logo. Circa 1909-1920

Large Block Logo (With Heat Ring)

The large block logo is one of the more popular markings or trademarks. It is known as the Griswold block logo. The block logo is very similar to the Slant logo. However, the word Griswold is no longer in italics. Griswold is in straight-block lettering.

Skillets with the block logo are circa 1920 and 1930. Griswold also manufactured a wide range of sizes ranging from 0 to 14. However, Griswold Manufacturing also made a number 20.

The Griswold #20 is a massive skillet and can cost a pretty penny online. It is called the Griswold Hotel Skillet.

Griswold cast iron skillet with Large block logo
The Large Block Logo was made circa 1924-1940.

Large Block Logo Without Heat Ring (Smooth Bottom)

Griswold also put the large block logo on cast iron skillets with a smooth bottom rather than the familiar heat ring. However, the sizes were more limited. Look out for sizes between 2 and 10 to collect a complete set.

Smooth bottom skillets are not as sought-after to collect as skillets with heat rings. So you can expect to pay less for a Griswold without a heat ring. 

Why the change? Cookware with heat rings was for use on wood or coal ranges. However, with the introduction of electric cookers, cast iron cookware with heat rings slowly gave way to cast iron skillets without heat rings. 

Do you want an excellent old skillet without the price tag of highly collectible pieces? Then, using a skillet with the Griswold Large Block trademark could be a great option.

Griswold made skillets with the large block logo and a flat bottom between 1930 and 1939.

Griswold cast iron skillet with large block logo
Beautiful skillet with large block logo. This skillet was made Circa 1930-1939.

Griswold Slant Logo Without Heat Ring

Griswold also used the Slant logo on smooth bottom pans.

However, slant logos on skillets without a heat ring are not as common as skillets with a heat ring. These pieces sell at a similar price to a smooth bottom Griswold with a block logo. Griswold made these skillets between 1939-1944.

Cast iron skillet with Griswold logo
Here is a smooth bottom pan with the large Griswold Slant logo. Circa 1939-1944.

Small Block Logo.

The Griswold Small Block marking is not as collectible to cast iron enthusiasts, but they are still fantastic skillets. Griswold drastically reduced the size of the logo, and skillets came without a heat ring. Skillets lost much of their character. But there are some beautiful skillets around with the small block logo.
Watch out for sellers pricing these skillets at high prices because you can expect to pick up a skillet with the Griswold small block logo at a lower price than more collectible skillets.

That’s not to say the small block skillets are any good. But the small block logo is not as collectible so that you may pick a good skillet at bargain prices.
The Small Block logo is from circa 1939 and 1957.

Griswold skillet with small logo
Small block logo. You can probably see why the Griswold Small Logo is less collectible than other logos. However, these pans are still great cookers. You might be able to pick up a skillet with a small logo at a great price. Circa 1939-1957

Do you have a skillet with a small block logo? Then check out this article. You will learn three different handle types to estimate the age of your skillet better.

Griswold Manufacturing’s Big Brands Were Erie And Griswold. But They Also Made Cast Iron Cookware Under Different Brands.

The Griswold Manufacturing Company, like other foundries, made a lower-grade range of cast iron cookware and was more budget-friendly.

Griswold Manufacturing Budget-Friendly Line.


Victor

Circa 1890s to the 1930s.

Iron Mountain

Circa 1930s-1940s.

Victor Cast Iron is A Budget-Friendly Brand Manufactured By Griswold.

Victor was a budget-friendly line of cast iron. Griswold made Victor Skillets between the 1890s and 1930s. The logo has also changed over the 50 years, with Victor at the 12 o’clock position like Erie skillets. However, the Victor logo on the cast iron skillets became embellished over the years. 

Griswold Manufacturing marketed Victor cast iron as a lower grade. But this does not mean lower quality. The skillets still have super smooth cooking surfaces.

Close up photo of Victor cast iron logo made by Griswold.
Victor cast iron skillets were made by Griswold Manufacturing Co., Griswold made Victor skillets for around 50 years. Circa 1880s-1930s.

Do you have a piece of Victor ironware? I have written an identification guide to estimate the age of your pan. Click on the link to learn more.

Iron Mountain 

Griswold made another lower-priced range of cast iron known as Iron Mountain. Unlike other cookware made by Griswold Manufacturing, the Iron Mountain range does not have a logo or trademark on the ironware. Without any markings, it is harder for non-collectors to identify the skillets.

But there are a few characteristics that the Iron Mountain skillet series has that can identify them. Look for a rectangular hole in the handle.

Griswold made Iron Mountain cast iron between the 1930s and 1940s. Since Iron Mountain cast-iron was a budget line, it is probably not a surprise Iron Mountain skillets have a heat ring for use on older wood and coal ranges.

.

Iron Mountain skillet
Here is an Iron Mountain skillet. Note the 4 digit pattern number and the unusually shaped handle.

Griswold Manufacturing Made Skillets For Other Companies. 

Sears contracted with Griswold Manufacturing Company to make cast iron cookware for their department stores. The Cast Iron Collector also has information on cast iron store brands. Griswold store bands that included.

Store brands manufactured in the Griswold foundry.


Best Made

Manufactured in the 1920s

Puritan

From the 1920s to the 1930s, Griswold Puritan cast iron had a pattern number at 6 o’clock.
If you have Puritan cast iron, click the link to learn more.

Good Health

Made from the 1920s to 1930s

Merit

Circa 1920s-1940s
Best Made skillet made y Griswold Manufacturing.
Best Made Sillets were made by Griswold Manufacturing for Sears.
Puritan cast iron logo.
Puritan Cast iron skillet made by Griswold Manufacturing Company. To identify Puritans skillets that were made Griswold. Look for the 4 digit pattern number below the size number.
Good Health Skillet made by Griswold. Close up photo of the logo.
Good Health Skillets were made by Griswold Manufacturing Company circa the 1920s-1930s.
Merit cast iron skillet logo
Do you have a Merit skillet? Yes, Merit skillets were made by Griswold as well.

Griswold Skillets Are Great, But Take Your Time Buying One.

Suppose you have a Griswold Cast iron skillet. Then you should be one proud owner. Many pay a premium for Griswold cast iron skillets. However, the word is out Griswold to the name to collect. And some sellers are asking hefty prices. Just take your time if you want to buy one of these beauties.

Griswold Made Other Brands.

Do you have an Erie or a Griswold? Then you have yourself one fine skillet. But the store brands and the Iron Mountain range are good as well. Even though smooth bottom skillets are not as collectible, many prefer them on modern hobs.

There is good reason Griswold has the reputation of making some of the best antique cast-iron you can cook with. 

Enjoy your skillet.

Helpful Articles For Further Reading On Griswold Cast Iron.

Once you have finished reading this article, I have written beginner’s guides to Griswold skillets. To help non-collectors use and enjoy their Griswold ironware. 

  1. Where are the best places to buy Griswold ironware as a novice?
  2. How can I spot faults in the skillet and avoid overpaying?
  3. Is my antique skillet worth anything?
  4. Should I buy a Griswold cast iron skillet?

If You Have Enjoyed This Article, Check Out My Other Articles On Vintage Cast Iron.

238 COMMENTS

  1. Hi, Boonie!

    Thanks so much for all your knowledge. I have a couple old cast iron pieces of my grandmother’s that I love, and I’m trying to learn more about skillets and add to my collection. I’ve learned so much from all your pics and explanations, and I really appreciate all your words.

    I saw a Griswold that I’m guessing is from the 50s after the mergers. It doesn’t say “Erie” on it, but instead says “11 1/4 inch skillet” and “Made in USA” under the Griswold logo. It seemed to be in good shape and was priced at $45. I’m not familiar enough to know if that’s something worth getting or if I should wait for an older, better-quality skillet.

    Many thanks,

    • Hi Melissa

      It’s great to hear from you.

      The number 9 is a good practical size, and the price seems very fair. But as an overseas overseas based collector, I’m not too familiar with on the ground prices.

      I like the older pieces because they have more charm and character. The benefit of owning an older pan comes from the joy of using antique cookware, rather than the cooking performance. The late small logo Griswold will cook just as well as a Griswold with slant logo. And I’ve seen some very smooth skillets from the late 1950s-1960s. But if you want a lighter or smoother pan, I would purchase an older skillet.

      As a guess I think you want old vintage skillet with a big old world logo. Hold off Mel, and get pan you really want. Favorite Pique Ware made fine skillet too but don’t sell for inflated Griswold prices.

  2. Hello! I am a complete novice to Griswold. I visited an estate sale today and spotted a beautiful Griswald No. 273 Corn Stick Pan, Erie, PA, USA 930 A. I purchased it for $10.00. I would appreciate any info. I feel that I made a good buy, but not sure. It is in perfect condition, very smooth. I would say it has been well loved. I believe, after reading other comments, it is block letters (?). I would greatly appreciate some education on this pretty thing! By the way, we are having yummy cornbread sticks and beans for supper!!
    Thanks so much!!!

    • Hi Debbie

      It’s wonderful to hear of your purchase. And I would also be happy to find a Crispy Corn Stick Pan for 10 dollars. They are not particularly rare, but it’s great to find one in great condition. After all cleaning individual grooves can be quite painstaking during restoration.

      I believe cornbread pans with these marking were manufactured from the 1930s and into the 1960s when the patterns were owned by a different company. I guess this was a popular and successful design.

      Hope this helps, and trust you make lots fond memories, making cornbread for friends and family.

      Have fun using your vintage pan Deb

  3. Hello Boonie,
    I just inherited a hammered Griswold 10″ #2098 lid in great shape. Now I need to buy what came under it. When were these made and does it go with a #8 skillet or dutch oven?

    Thanks,
    Jay Glidewell

    • Hi Jay

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      It sounds like you have a wonderful piece of antique hollowware. Hammered Griswold ironware not easy to come by, and someone must have thought of your highly to entrust their treasured Griswold to you.

      I believe the Griswold #2098 is known as a Hammered self basting skillet cover. And it should interlock with a #2008 hammered skillet. However, it should also fit snugly with a 2058 hammered Dutch Oven. I don’t have the fortunate pleasure of having any hammered Griswold ironware in my collection, so please check and confirm with the seller before purchasing. I believe Griswold manufactured these pieces from the 1940s and possibly into the 1950s.

      Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

  4. Hi Boonie,

    Thank-you for all the great information. You have helped me buy over 100 pieces of cast iron cookware! Yes, collecting cast iron cookware is truly an addictive hobby. It’s especially rewarding to transform a filthy, carbon-crusted, unidentifiable pan to something really special.

    Anyway, I am restoring a Griswold #10 cast iron skillet with slant logo, ERIE and heat ring. The mold marking is “A”. Would that mean the skillet was one of the first of the series manufactured? Most likely in 1906?

    Thanks again!

    • Hi Jim

      It’s great to hear from you, and I had to laugh when I read your comment. You have well and truly caught the cast-iron collecting bug, but don’t worry you’re in fine company. And it’s great you’re bringing these pieces of history back to their former glory.

      It great question. It makes sense patterns/molds with letters at the start of the alphabet were used the beginning of the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, we don’t know how long the pattern or mold was used for. It’s quite possible the mold/template with the marking “A” was used for entire time of production, right up until Griswold changed the design.

      Cheers for getting in touch Jim, and I hope you enjoy the hobby as much as I do. Have fun

      Boonie

  5. I have several different cast iron ‘pots’, muffin pan, bread stick pan, etc. It was delightful to read your information. Instead of adding them to the alchemists load, I will clean them and attempt to use them before finding a buyer. Thanks for all your comments.
    Have a blessed day.

    • Hi Pierina

      I’m over the moon that you’ve found the information useful. And from it you’ve decided to restore, and pass on your collection of vintage ironware.
      Good on you, and have fun restoring your ironware to its former glory. By doing so, you’re saving a little piece of history.

      Cheers, have a great week.

  6. Hi Boonie, I’m Andy in Colorado Springs.

    I managed to take home, for free, a small logo No. 8, 704N through work. My question is, I can’t seem to find any other 704N’s for sale on the internet; is it rare? Which is why no one is selling them?

    Just curious, and thanks in advance for any insight you might have/give.

    • Hi Andy

      It’s great to hear from you, and you’re very lucky to have an old Griswold to call your own. Even better that you got it for free.

      The 704 is the number given to Griswold’s number 8 skillets. And it used as the pattern number over serval logo and design changes. You’ll be able to use this guide to identify the logo and design of your pan to get an idea on when it was manufactured.

      The letter N was the mold used in the manufacturing process, and using it would reduce your online search results. Just type in Griswold 704, and I’m sure you’ll find quite a few listings. Collectors see no difference in collectibility between the different letters.

      Some logos are more collectable than others. But any Griswold is a welcome addition to every kitchen.

      Well done, and enjoy your vintage skillet

  7. Hi Boonie, my grandmother passed away in”73″ and I inherited her cast iron (all 3 pieces of it). I was told that it was all Griswold. I was able to identify two of the fry pans, but the third one I have not been able to id.

    It is 10″, 2 spouts, 1 handle that looks like Griswold and approximately 3″ deep. The pan and its lid are hammered, lid is also cast iron. there is no logo on the bottom.

    The only marking is what looks like the number 89 with a capital B and what looks like a line above and below the number so it is difficult to tell if it is 89 or 68.

    I’m inclined to believe it’s 89 because of the “B”. If you can help me with this I would appreciate it.

    Thanks

    • Hi Sarah

      Thanks for your question. And I’m sure your grandmother is so pleased you’re taking care of her cast-iron.

      Unfortunately, I need to do more research before I can estimate the age of your pan. But I’m also certain of the marker from your description. I believe your skillet was made by the Chicago Hardware Foundry Co.

      Check out a few images on Google, and I’m sure you’ll recognize the design.

      Hope this points you in the right direction.

      Cheers

  8. I don’t see the mention of the skillet I have.
    It’s a small one…across the top of the curve is No. 3
    about a 2-inch cross logo with straight GRISWOLD in the center.
    ERIE PA.
    709
    L

    I found this at my grandma home in pittsburgh.
    thank you for any information.

    • Hi Lisa

      It sounds like the skillet found a great new home.

      There are some slight handle variations on small logo pans and will narrow the date of manufacture. But until I get around highlighting the handle differences, I can give you a rough timeline of the small logo skillets. And that’s circa 1939-1957.

      As you can imagine the number 3 is the smallest Griswold skillet in this series. But it sounds like a great pan to make sauces and individual desserts.

      Hope you have lots of fun using the skillet.

  9. Hello,

    I have a Griswold Erie Spider, which the embossed spider logo is very good and crisp. It’s in excellent shape and never use it. There is no damage to it..it could be in mint condition. It’s on a wall in my kitchen, and dust it now and then. I bought if off of Ebay many years ago…maybe around 15 years. I paid a premium price, as I know it’s a very valuable skillet.

    I’m just curious, what would the value of this skillet be today? I tried to google it, but all I get is couple of articles that talk about this skillet being sold for $8,000…which I think is crazy? Was that skillet sold for $8k? I’m not interested in selling it, but would like to know the value of it today.

    Thank you for the good information here and for any help you can give me.

    • Hi Julie

      Thanks for the contact and I’m sorry it’s taken a few days to reply.

      You very lucky to have such a wonderful piece in your collection. As you know the Erie spider is one of the most sought-after pieces of ironware and can command incredible prices.

      I remember the listing, and I think it attracted the interest of a few affiliate websites, hoping to make a commission. However, I think it’s highly unlikely the skillet sold for 8000 dollars. My guess the seller accepted the best offer made by the buyer. And I imagine the final selling price was considerably less than the original asking price. But you never know.

      I haven’t seen an Erie spider come up for sale in quite some time. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see a pitted spider asking 1200-1500 dollars. As for an Erie Spider in almost mint condition? It is determined like any antique at the level of interest at the time. And in todays market I would not blink at $2000 minimum reserve.

      For me, this is astronomical but the selling prices even for non collectable prices has jumped. Leaving many collectors like myself in disbelief. I think this is the case for a lot of antique collectables today.

      I’m an overseas collector and out of my depth on selling prices, but hopefully an enthusiast with more on the ground knowledge can give an indication of current asking/selling prices.

      Anyway congratulations for having the foresight to pick up an Erie Spider all those years ago.

      Cheers

  10. I have quite a large collection of Griswold Skillets, 2 thru 14 plus oval skillets muffin pans and dutch ovens, rectangular griddles. I use my cast iron daily. Love them all

  11. Great article I learned a lot. My question is I have been looking for a #4 large block Griswold skillet to complete my set and ran across a cheap small block on pinterest but the pan does not look like the information you have listed or any of my small block pans. It has 7 inch skillet below the logo is this pan a Griswold or a knockoff they are only asking $50.00 for it which is a good price but I want it to be a Griswold.
    Thanks again for the article

    • Hi Lisa

      I’d be inclined to hold off on your purchase and wait for a large block to come on to the market. There’s no rush and you’ll get a real buzz when eventually you find one.

      I suspect the skillet you found was made after the Griswold family sold their stake in the company. Check under the logo for the Erie P.A. marking. I have a sneaky suspicion it’s missing and the skillet was most likely made in the 1960s by another company that owned the rights to Griswold during this time.

      Trust this points you in the right direction, and have fun finding the elusive number four.

  12. Hello,

    My Griswold is an 11 1/4 skillet with no cook ring, no Erie and the small block lettered logo with the 11 1/4 inch size written below the logo in a straight block-lettered line, and the #9 on the top of the handle.

    I realize from your tutorial it must be some of the newest manufactured by the logo. I did not see one exactly like it in the pictures. It was my Granny’s and I think she brought it out from Arkansas to Washington state in 1945.

    However, my dad who could verify that fact has already passed away. Would this have been a mark prior to 1945, if not she must have gotten it after she had moved to Washington. Thank you for your insight.

    • Hi Joyce

      Thanks for getting in touch and sharing the story of your old Griswold. It’s really nice to hear that you are treasuring you family heirloom. I’m sure it hold many fond memories. And I’m sure you Grandmother and dad are smiling that you are researching their old skillet.

      You’re right skillets without the heat ring are later pieces. Interesting you mentioned you pan is slightly different. Griswold Manufactured this skillet over a number of years and there were a few changes. I hope you cover these changes in another article sometime in the future.

      In the meantime, I hope you have fun using your Grandmother’s skillet.

      Cheers

  13. Great article on cast iron cookware. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. This is one of the most in depth and informative articles I have seen.

    • Hi Greg

      Thank you ever so much for your kind words. And I’m happy that you found the resource useful. Hopefully you could identify your ironware or it sparked an interest to pick up your own Griswold one day.

      Thanks, have a good day.

  14. Hi Boonie. I found your site after picking up a Griswold Colonial Breakfast Skillet
    Erie, PA USA 666 and B in right corner. The logos is circle cross with Block letters. Its not small logo though. Picked up for $19.99 at an antique store.
    I love using cast iron and thought it’s perfect to cook hubs breakfast in 1 skillet. Do you know the date for this one?
    Blessings!

    • Hi Dianna

      You’re very lucky to pick up an old Griswold Colonial skillet for that price. I’ve seen them go for a lot more online. I know of the skillet you described, and I believe Griswold manufactured the triple six square skillet in the 1940s.

      Hope this points you in the right direction, and enjoy your skillet.

  15. Really enjoyed your article. I have a small collection of cast iron that I love to use..for me nothing cooks better on a gas stove! Was hoping your article might help me date my Griswold griddle..is it appropriate to use the same dates as listed in your article? On the back of my griddle, beginning on the hanging hole end, are the following:
    A number 8
    Cast Iron
    Griddle
    Griswold logo/no slant, circle/cross
    Erie, PA
    U.S.A.
    908
    Do you have another article about Griswold pieces that are not skillets?

    • Hi Penny

      Thanks for getting in touch, and I’m pleased you enjoyed the article. You can use the resource to get a rough idea on thew age of griddle. And in the case of your ironware it looks to fall in the timeline.

      Thanks, I think writing an article on Griswold Griddles is a great idea.
      Enjoy your griddle Penny.

  16. We have several Griswold skillets. Three of the #3. One of them is considerably lighter than the other two. It has the large block logo with Erie PA USA and has the burner ring. Is it older than the others?
    I also have a hammered about 5″ deep skillet #8 with smaller Griswold logo and only has Erie PA in smaller letters under logo. It has no burner ring on it.

    • Hi Kath

      Thanks for getting in touch. Yes, definitely the heat ring pans are older than pans with a small logo. Check out this resource to estimate the age of your pans. I’ve purposefully been generous with the dates to avoid disappointment and to make sure Griswold was manufacturing ironware with the same logo within the dates.

      Well done picking up an old hammered Griswold, those pieces are really beautiful once restored.

  17. Thank you for the great information. We are downsizing and I have been selling tons of stuff.

    Someone asked me if I had any cast iron skillets and I said I might. I bought a cheap skillet for camping, and thought I should sell it for $5-$10 bucks. Googled the markings, WOW! “ERIE” 9 B. Do you know what the B means? I’ll keep it as it cooked lots of great Scout meals.

    • Hi Gerhard

      You’re message brings a smile to my face on several fronts. One I’m pleased you researched your Erie skillet before letting it go. And second, I’m pleased you’ve decided to keep your old vintage pan.

      It sounds like you may have a second series pan. And the B lettering on your pan would have been used as an identification mark. Most likely the mold used in the manufacture of your skillet.

      Hope this helps. And hold on to your Erie you can, these pans are a real treasure and a joy to use.

  18. I have a Griswold this belonged to my great grandmother. Thanks for helping me estimate it’s age. I think it’s about a 1920-30 model. I’ve used it since college and that’s about 40 years ago. I will someday pass it along to my son.

    • Hi Libby

      That’s absolutely brilliant, I’m pleased you could use the resource to estimate the age of your Griswold. And it sounds like you still get a lot of use out of your ironware.

      Hey thanks for getting in touch and happy cooking.

  19. That was a great read, thanks.
    My parents cast iron went away before I had a say about it, and my wife and I have been accumulating Griswold for a long time. Cookability, not collectability, is the reason. From stove top, into the oven, into the charcoal Webber over a bed of coals, it is great.

    • Thanks for your comment Joseph.

      Sorry to hear your heirloom pieces disappeared. But it sounds like you and your wife are putting together a fine collection.

      Happy cooking Joseph

  20. We have a skillet that was my mothers and possibly my grandmother’s at one time. My wife uses it all the time and we’re just curious how old it might be.

    The only markings on the bottom are the Griswold logo and 11 1/4 skillet. I didn’t see any information on your site about this skillet. Can you help?

    Thanks in advance.

    • Hi William

      Thanks for your question.

      From your description it sounds like your skillet was made after the sale of Griswold to Wagner. You’ll notice the Erie P.A marking is missing under the logo. And it’s likely your pan was made in the Wagner Manufacturing foundry based in Sidney Ohio. It’s likely your pan was made in the 1960s.

      Cheers Will, hope this helps

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