If you are an experienced cast iron collector, you know some Griswold cast iron is rarer than others. However, for those unfamiliar with Griswold cast iron, you might think that small skillets and unusual pieces hold no value. So in this article, you can learn about hard-to-find and rare Griswold cast iron with the circle cross logo.
I hope to highlight vintage Griswold cast iron that people might find in their attics and basements and discount as non-collectible. Do you have a tiny Griswold skillet or a lid without a pot? Well, don’t throw it away because it could be sought-after by collectors.
Table of contents
- What is rare Griswold ironware?
- Does scarcity equal valuable?
- Small size skillets
- Large sizes skillets
- Less common Griswold cookware
- Lids and Chicken Fryers
- Final thoughts
Rare Griswold cast iron
Griswold Cast Iron From The Commercial Line | Waffle Irons and Large skillets
Some of the most scarce Griswold cast iron is from the commercial line. The Griswold size 20 double-handled skillet, commonly known as the Griswold hotel skillet, is one example of the commercial grade. Griswold undoubtedly produced several products for industrial and commercial use, such as waffle irons. These pieces rarely come into the market. But when they do, they can attract lots of interest from collectors.
Rare Griswold cast iron includes non-kitchen items
However, Griswold also made non-kitchen goods such as letterboxes and umbrella stands. These items are some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces by collectors. Also, spittoons or cuspidors are some of the more rare pieces of Griswold cast iron available. Spittoons are not pleasant, but I’m sure there’s a collector who would be happy if you rescued it.
Does rare Griswold cast iron equal valuable pieces?
Although I hope you rescue any pieces of Griswold ironware from the scrapheap, I have to say not all rare Griswold ironware holds a lot of monetary value. For example, cast iron skillets can sell for a lot of money. Griddles have lesser buyer demand. And items such as tobacco cutters may be hard to sell.
However, some pieces such as scoops and rare Griswold gems pans that you would expect to hold not to have much usability are highly sought-after with collectors. So hold on to them if you find them in the junk drawer, and you can research them later.
Here are some reasons Griswold cast iron can be so expensive.
Rare Griswold cast iron skillets
Small sizes can be hard to find. Look for Griswold size 2 and 4 skillets
Griswold skillets size number 2
It may be a little surprising to find, but small Griswold skillets are some of the rarest and most valuable. Keep an eye open for Griswold number 2 and 4 skillets. These were uncommon sizes back in the day, and consumers preferred size numbers 3, 5, 8, and 9.
Undoubtedly people may overlook the size number 2 because they are so small. So it’s important to rescue these pieces.
Look for Griswold size two skillets with the following logos
| Griswold Logo | Heat Ring | Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| Slant logo with ERIE | YES | Rare |
| Slant logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | YES | Rare |
| Block logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | YES | Extremely Rare |
| The Slant logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A | NO | Rare |
| Block logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A | NO | Rare |
Griswold size four skillets
The Griswold number 4 skillet is also a rare piece of cast iron. But not to the same extent as the number 2. The number 4 is between two popular skillet sizes, numbers 3 and 5. So it is likely Griswold produced fewer of these skillets, and this makes it challenging for collectors wanting to complete a full set.
Griswold produced the number 4 with the following logos
| Griswold Logo | Heat Ring | Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| Slant logo with ERIE | YES | Rare |
| Slant logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | YES | Rare |
| Block logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | YES | Rare |
| Block logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A | NO | Hard To Find |
| Small logo with ERIE PA | NO | Uncommon |
If you are not sure what the Griswold small logo looks like, then take a look at this article.
Rare Large Griswold skillets | Look for the following sizes 13, 14, and 20
The large Griswold skillets between 10-14 are highly collectible. But the size numbers 13, 14, and 20 are the hardest to find. Large skillets in good condition have a large buyer pool, and they attract the attention of both cast iron enthusiasts and home cooks.
Luckily for us, many of the larger skillets were treasured over the years. And despite their scarcity, it’s not uncommon to see large skillets in excellent condition. Collectors will love to own any large Griswold skillet, but the preferred choice among enthusiasts is the harder to find Griswold slant logo.
| Griswold Logo | Size | Heat Ring | Scarcity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slant logo with ERIE | 13,14 | YES | Very Rare |
| Slant logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | 13,14 | YES | Very Rare |
| Block logo with ERIE PA, U.S.A. | 13,14,20 | YES | 13 Extremely Rare 14 Hard to Find 20 Rare |
Hard to Find Griswold Cast Iron
Griswold Chicken Fryers and Lids
If you find an old chicken fry covered in gunk, please don’t throw it away. These old pieces are sought-after, particularly if it comes with a lid. Griswold chicken fryers with a large logo or a hammered finish also attract the attention of cast iron collectors.
Unfortunately, many deep skillets are in poor condition due to the higher temperatures used when frying. And it is common for these pots to have a warp and or spin on a flat surface.
Warping decreases the value of the pan. And you can read this article if you want to learn other factors that affect the value of Griswold skillets.
Griswold Lids
In a spring clean, you may come across a miscellaneous Griswold lid. Griswold lids are surprisingly scarce, and you would make a Griswold collector happy if you put it up for sale. Griswold covers with raised wording are favored.
However, collectors have no problem mismatching lids to fit their cookware. And often, the covers are rarer and hold more value than the pot itself. So hold on to them if you find them.
Lesser-known rare Griswold cast iron
Although this article is for those with little cast-iron knowledge, I have found an increasing number of cast iron enthusiasts coming to the site. So here are a few pieces of rare Griswold cast iron for those already familiar with vintage ironware.
Griswold Loaf Pan
If you are want to add a rare piece of cast iron to your collection, look no further than the Griswold Loaf pan. These pans rarely come on to the market. So if you see one in a garage sale, you should pounce on it quickly. Griswold also made a lid for these pans, but most of the pans I’ve seen are without a cover.
Griswold Shallow skillets
Shallow skillets are a cross between a skillet and a griddle. So it’s no surprise that these skillets are also named skillet griddle. Griswold manufactured several versions over the years, and they deserve a separate article highlighting the differences.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for the characteristic three holes in the handle. But check the back because other foundries such as Wagner, Sidney Hollow Ware, and Wapak also produced shallow skillets with the same design.
Slant logo skillets with smooth bottom
This pan often goes under the radar on the marketplace, but I think it belongs in the collection of every Grtiswold collector. While the pans do not command the higher price tag of the more recognized pieces, they are certainly less common than a large block logo on smooth bottom skillets.
Another reason the Griswold slant logo on smooth bottom skillets is scarce is these skillets only come in sizes 2,3,5, 8, and 9.
To learn more about the different Griswold logos, click on this link for an in-house article.
Final thoughts
If you come across any vintage cast iron, hold on to it and find out what it is before throwing it away. Even if the cookware is in poor condition, it could be worth restoring. Some Griswold cast iron is rarer than other pieces. Size and the type of cookware are two significant factors when determining rarity.
Lids are rare not because they are scarce. But from the demand of both collectors and Griswold owners that want covers for their Griswold cookware.
Keep an eye out for those hard-to-find pieces. You never know what you can find when you start looking.
I just found a #10 24 x 12 cast iron griddle with the Griswold diamond Erie mark on the back, is this a rare or sought after item?
Thank you
Wow nice find. I thought size 9 was the largest in the diamond long griddle series so well done. Long griddles are less sought-after compared to skillets. But anything with the diamond logo is hard to find, so definitely scarce. I did a quick eBay search and long griddles can sell for good money.
Like other cast iron you want to check for fire damage. And you might want to check eBays sold listings for current selling prices.
Good luck
Hi Boonie,
Great site and appreciate all the information!
I have a TINY (4″ diameter) Griswold skillet.
Small logo, not italicized, has a heat ring, ‘Erie PA., U.S.A.’
On the underside of the handle, it is stamped ‘5’; but it is no where near as large as a #5 skillet.
Any idea what this might be?
Maybe a marketing piece?
Hi Treacy
It sounds like you have a distinctive skillet. The size places it into the toy category. The #5 on the back of the handle is likely the mold used to make your skillet and not the size you have pointed out.
There are a few reproductions of these small skillets. But the casting is nearly always rough and questionable.
There are a few variations of Griswold toy skillets. The company produced these from the 1900s-1950s. I suspect you have a later version since you mentioned it has a small logo. But I hope this gives you a good starting point for your research.
Hi Boonie,
Thanks for helping to educate us 🙂
We just picked up a slant Griswold #6 Erie 341 griddle at a garage sale. It has a wooden handle.
Do you by any chance have an history on this pan?
Thanks so much for your time,
Allison & Mike
Hi Mike and Allison
Great find, as Griswold with wooden handles are sought-after by collectors. I believe your griddle is circa 1920s, and Griswold produced them in cast-iron and cast-iron with nickel plating. It seems the Griswold 341 griddle is a difficult piece to find.
Congratulations on your find.
I have a Griswold item that’s in excellent condition, no cracks, pitting, or rust. It’s not restored, but could be used for tonight’s dinner.
Here’s what might make it a little unusual: I think Dutch oven and baster are a matching set, but this #10 says tite-top baster on both top (A2553) and baster (835A). Handle is intact and in great shape.
Also, and I’m sure it was bought this way, has #9 trivet (207). Is any of this unusual?
Hi Dave thanks for getting in touch.
The numbers on the lid and oven coincide with other matching sets, although the pattern number 835 was in use during Erie era. Most ovens for sale do not have a trivet but as you have pointed out the size 9 would be for a #9 oven. A trivet with #208 would be for size 10 Dutch Ovens.
The Tite-Top Baster marking is less common than the Tite-Top Oven marking. Sounds like a great oven, well done on your find.
Hi. I have a Griswold cast iron oval with the lid. The lid has a decorative knob. I can’t find one online like it. Can you tell me if Griswold made a solid cast iron lid with a cast iron knob?
Hi Sharon
Thanks for getting in touch.
I haven’t seen a vintage Dutch oven with a cast iron knob. Some early ovens I believe were nickel, but I only seen these on Wagner Ovens. And this kind of lid is pretty scarce.
I am so excited to learn about these Griswold pans. I just found my first one at a thrift store… large logo 108 201 A skillet. The cooking surface is so smooth….like glass.
That’s awesome Liz
And I sounds like you’re new to vintage Griswold pans too. Glad you enjoyed researching about your skillet and happy cooking
Good morning! thought I would share that I purchased a Griswold square ashtray a number of years ago!!! 3.5″ x 3.5″ with a handle.
Oh wow nice score Wendy.
I’ve only seen these ashtrays online. I believe the square ashtray was made in the 1950s.
Greetings – Anyone out there have any info on Griswold’s DuoChrome finish? Was it used as a gimmick or was there a specific purpose? When did it go into production and when did they stop (WWII I’d bet).
I have a #14, with lid, with this finish and am curious as to its history. I have yet to see any frying pans in DuoChrome for sale but have seen a few Griswold pots.
Thx,
SWD
Hi Steve
The plated pieces are little out of my area of expertise. But, undoubtedly they were value added pieces to the standard cast iron line.
Duo-chrome is likely circa 1940-1950s, and it has that mid-century futurism/modernism look as consumers looked towards the future. Size 14 skillets is always in demand, and usually commands hefty prices. Plated pieces are not collectable as regular iron cookware and this is often reflected in how quick a piece will sell, and the final selling price.
Hope this points you in the right direction.
I just bought a #8 Large Block Dutch oven Lid. The Patent date is 1920. Where might I find information on Griswold Dutch Ovens?
Thank you
Hi Jim
Well done on your purchase. Many collectors are always on the look-out for lid. And they can be quite expensive in restored condition.
There are a lot of knowledgeable collectors on the Facebook groups that could determine the age, and possibly identify the oven you need to find a correct base.
Good luck in your search.