Griswold Cast Iron: Complete Identification, Sizes & Value Guide

—

by

Vintage Green Antiques
in

Griswold cast iron is the most sought-after antique cookware in America. A No. 8 skillet with the rare Large Block Logo can sell for $400 at auction, while a common small logo piece from the same era fetches $40 at an estate sale. Knowing how to read the mark on the bottom is everything. This guide covers every Griswold logo era, all skillet sizes, how to spot fakes, and what the market is paying right now for the pieces you are most likely to find.

History of Griswold Manufacturing Company

The Griswold Manufacturing Company was founded in 1865 in Erie, Pennsylvania by Matthew Griswold and his cousins. Originally called the Selden and Griswold Manufacturing Company, the firm produced hardware and then pivoted to cast iron cookware in the 1870s as American households shifted to wood and coal stoves. By the early 1900s, Griswold had become the leading cast iron manufacturer in the United States, winning numerous awards at world expositions for the quality of their machined-smooth cooking surfaces. At its peak, the Erie factory employed thousands of workers and produced millions of pieces annually. The company was sold to Wagner Manufacturing in 1957 and continued under various owners until production at the original Erie facility ended in the 1960s. Today, Griswold is recognized as the gold standard of vintage cast iron cookware.

How to Identify Griswold Cast Iron by Logo Era

The logo on the bottom of the piece is the most important identifier for dating and valuing Griswold cast iron. The company changed its mark multiple times over nearly a century of production. Here is the complete dating guide:

  • Spider Mark (1865-1880): The earliest Griswold pieces used a spider or cross mark with the company name. Extremely rare; most examples are in museums or advanced collections. Value: $500 to $2,000+ for common forms.
  • Erie PA Logo (1880-1905): Features 'ERIE' prominently with 'GRISWOLD MFG. CO.' in an oval. Also called the 'Erie' mark. Highly collectible; these pieces have the thinnest walls and finest machining of any era. Value: $100 to $600 for standard skillets.
  • Large Block Logo (1905-1930): The iconic mark that most collectors recognize. 'GRISWOLD' spelled in large block letters across the top of a cross-and-circle design. Also includes 'ERIE, PA USA' and the pattern number. The large text is crisp and easy to read. This is the most valuable common mark. Value: $75 to $400 for standard skillets.
  • Small Block Logo (1930-1940): Same cross-and-circle design as Large Block Logo, but 'GRISWOLD' appears in noticeably smaller text. A subtle but important distinction that dealers will test you on. Value: $40 to $150 for standard skillets.
  • Large EPU Logo (1940-1957): 'ERIE, PA USA' abbreviated and placed within an oval beneath the cross-and-circle. The lettering is smaller overall than earlier marks. This mark spans the late production years before the 1957 Wagner acquisition. Value: $25 to $80 for standard skillets.
  • Slant Logo (1957-1969): After Wagner acquired Griswold, the Erie cross-and-circle design was discontinued. Pieces from this era show 'GRISWOLD' in slanted italic script. These are generally the least desirable to collectors but remain functional pieces. Value: $15 to $50 for standard skillets.
  • Heat Ring vs. No Heat Ring: Separate from the logo era, pieces made before approximately 1940 have a heat ring on the bottom — a raised outer ring that elevates the cooking surface slightly above the stovetop. Heat ring pieces command a 20-30% premium over no-heat-ring pieces in the same logo era.

Griswold Cast Iron Skillet Sizes and What They Are Worth

Griswold numbered their skillets by size, not by diameter. A No. 8 is the most commonly found size and is approximately 10.5 inches in diameter. The size number is cast into the top of the handle and also usually appears in the logo on the bottom. Here is the current market value range for standard skillets in Large Block Logo (the most commonly traded mark) in excellent condition with no cracks, pits, or repairs:

  • No. 2 (6.5 inches): Rare small size; $150 to $400
  • No. 3 (7 inches): $40 to $120
  • No. 4 (7.5 inches): $35 to $100
  • No. 5 (8.5 inches): $35 to $90
  • No. 6 (9 inches): $30 to $80
  • No. 7 (9.5 inches): $40 to $100
  • No. 8 (10.5 inches): $50 to $180 — the most common and most traded size
  • No. 9 (11 inches): $60 to $200
  • No. 10 (11.75 inches): $80 to $250
  • No. 11 (12 inches): $150 to $450 — larger sizes are significantly rarer
  • No. 12 (13.5 inches): $200 to $600
  • No. 13 and No. 14 (14+ inches): $400 to $1,200+ — very rare sizes sought by advanced collectors
  • No. 20 (15+ inches): $800 to $2,500+ — restaurant/industrial size, extremely rare in collectible condition

Griswold vs. Wagner Cast Iron: Key Differences

Wagner Manufacturing, founded in 1891 in Sidney, Ohio, was Griswold’s main competitor and produced high-quality cast iron in its own right. Understanding the differences helps you identify pieces correctly and price them appropriately.

  • Logo placement: Griswold logos are centered on the bottom within the cross-and-circle design. Wagner used a simpler oval logo with 'WAGNER WARE' prominently displayed.
  • Machining quality: Griswold is generally considered to have a finer, smoother cooking surface than Wagner from the same era, though Wagner quality was also excellent. Griswold used a proprietary polishing process that Wagner's machines did not replicate exactly.
  • Handle shape: Griswold handles tend to be shorter and more angular. Wagner handles are longer and more curved — easier to identify by feel.
  • Value differential: Griswold consistently commands 30-50% higher prices than comparable Wagner pieces in the same condition and era. A Wagner equivalent to a $100 Griswold Large Block Logo No. 8 will typically sell for $60-75.
  • Sidney O. mark: Early Wagner pieces are often marked 'SIDNEY O.' for Sidney, Ohio. This is one of the easiest ways to confirm a Wagner piece and rule out Griswold.
  • Post-1957 overlap: Wagner acquired Griswold in 1957 and produced both brands simultaneously until the late 1960s. Some post-acquisition pieces have identifiable hybrid characteristics. These are considered less desirable than pre-acquisition pieces of either brand.

Other Valuable Griswold Pieces Beyond Skillets

While skillets are the most common Griswold pieces found at estate sales, the company produced a wide range of cookware. Some of these specialty pieces are among the most valuable in the entire Griswold collecting category:

  • Dutch ovens: Matching skillet-and-lid sets are worth significantly more than either piece alone. A No. 8 Large Block Logo Dutch oven in matched condition: $150 to $500.
  • Waffle irons: Griswold waffle irons in American or Hearts and Star patterns are among the most sought-after pieces. An Erie Logo Hearts and Star waffle iron can reach $800 to $1,500.
  • Corn stick pans: The No. 273 stick pan (7 sticks) and No. 282 (7 sticks, wider) are extremely popular. Large Block Logo versions: $80 to $250.
  • Muffin pans: The No. 10 and No. 11 muffin pans are sought by bakers and collectors alike. $75 to $200 for Large Block Logo examples.
  • Tea kettles: Griswold tea kettles are far rarer than skillets. Erie Logo examples: $200 to $600.
  • Griddles: Smooth and ribbed griddles in large sizes. No. 9 and No. 10 smooth griddles: $80 to $200.
  • Chicken fryers: Deep skillets with high straight sides. No. 8 chicken fryer with lid: $150 to $400.
  • Bread pans: Loaf and bread stick pans are popular with bakers. Values range from $60 to $200 depending on size and logo era.

How to Authenticate Griswold Cast Iron

Griswold reproductions and misidentified pieces are increasingly common as prices rise. Here is how to confirm authenticity before you buy:

  • Read the mark carefully: Authentic Griswold marks have crisp, even lettering. The cross-and-circle logo should be symmetrical. Modern reproductions often have slightly off-center designs or soft text. Use a flashlight held at a low angle to see raised lettering clearly.
  • Check the gate mark: Pieces made before approximately 1905 will have a 'gate mark' — a raised seam line left from the casting process, usually across the bottom of the cooking surface. This is a genuine indicator of age and cannot be faked on a budget reproduction.
  • Feel the cooking surface: Authentic vintage Griswold cooking surfaces feel nearly as smooth as modern stainless steel, especially Large Block Logo and Erie Logo pieces. A rough, pebbly texture is a sign of a reproduction or a later, lower-quality piece. Run your fingertips across the interior — it should feel like fine sandpaper at most.
  • Check the weight: Vintage Griswold is noticeably thinner and lighter than modern cast iron brands like Lodge. A No. 8 Griswold skillet weighs approximately 4.5 to 5 pounds. A modern Lodge equivalent weighs 5.5 to 6 pounds. If a piece claimed to be vintage Griswold feels as heavy as a Lodge, be skeptical.
  • Inspect for repairs: Cracks in cast iron are typically repaired by welding and then refinished. Examine the interior under strong light; a weld repair will often appear as a slight ridge, discoloration, or texture difference. Repaired pieces are worth 50-75% less than unrepaired pieces.
  • Beware of electrolysis 'cleaning': Many sellers remove rust via electrolysis, which is legitimate, but some then reseason the pan to hide pitting or tool marks from improper restoration. A pan that has been aggressively sanded or ground will show circular scratch patterns under magnification.

Caring for and Reseasoning Vintage Griswold Cast Iron

Properly maintained Griswold cast iron can outlast any modern cookware. Here are the care basics every owner should know:

  • Seasoning: The 'seasoning' on cast iron is a layer of polymerized oil baked into the iron surface. Vintage Griswold pieces with intact original seasoning are worth preserving. Never strip original seasoning unless the piece has significant rust or buildup that cannot be removed with gentle cleaning.
  • Washing: Hand wash only with warm water and a stiff brush or chainmail scrubber. A small amount of mild dish soap on a well-seasoned pan is acceptable. Never put in the dishwasher.
  • Drying: Dry immediately after washing — even a few hours of moisture can cause surface rust. Heat the pan briefly on a stovetop burner after washing to ensure complete drying.
  • Reseasoning stripped pieces: If you acquire a piece that has been stripped to bare iron, apply a very thin coat of flaxseed oil or Crisco shortening and bake upside-down at 450-500°F for one hour. Repeat 3-4 times to build up the seasoning. Avoid olive oil, which goes rancid in the pores.
  • Storage: Store in a dry location. If stacking pans, place a paper towel or cloth between them to prevent moisture trapping and surface scratching.
  • Rust removal: Light surface rust can be removed with a chainmail scrubber or fine steel wool followed by immediate reseasoning. Significant pitting from deep rust is an irreversible condition that reduces value and cooking performance.

Where to Buy and Sell Griswold Cast Iron

The cast iron market is active and prices are well-established. eBay completed listings are the best source for real market data — filter by ‘Sold’ listings and search the specific logo era and size you have. Estate sales and antique malls remain the best places to find underpriced pieces, particularly in the Midwest and Pennsylvania where Griswold was most heavily distributed. The Cast Iron Collector website (castironcollector.com) maintains one of the most comprehensive identification resources available. Facebook groups dedicated to cast iron collecting have large active memberships and active buy-sell-trade communities where you can check prices informally before buying or selling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Griswold Cast Iron

How do I know if my cast iron is Griswold?

Flip the pan over and look at the bottom. Authentic Griswold pieces will have the GRISWOLD name cast in raised letters, usually within a cross-and-circle design, along with ‘ERIE, PA USA’ and a pattern number. If the bottom is blank or shows a different brand name, it is not Griswold. The size number (No. 8, etc.) is also cast on the bottom and on the top of the handle.

What is Griswold cast iron worth?

Common Griswold skillets (No. 6 through No. 9) with the Small Block Logo or Large EPU Logo typically sell for $25 to $80. The same sizes in Large Block Logo sell for $50 to $180. Erie Logo pieces add another 50-100% premium. Rare sizes (No. 2, No. 13, No. 20) and specialty pieces like waffle irons or certain muffin pans can reach $200 to $1,500. Always check completed eBay sales for the specific logo era and size you have.

What is the most valuable Griswold cast iron?

The most consistently valuable production pieces are large skillets (No. 12, No. 13, No. 14) and No. 20 in Erie or Large Block Logo, waffle irons in the Hearts and Star or American patterns in Erie Logo, and matched Dutch oven sets (skillet plus matching lid) in early logo eras. Individual pieces from these categories regularly sell for $500 to $2,500+ at specialized auctions.

Is Wagner cast iron worth as much as Griswold?

Wagner cast iron is high quality and very collectible, but generally sells for 30-50% less than comparable Griswold pieces. A Wagner No. 8 skillet in good condition with the Sidney O. mark might sell for $40-60 where a comparable Griswold Large Block Logo No. 8 would bring $80-120. Both are genuine antique American cookware worth preserving.

Can you cook on vintage Griswold cast iron?

Yes — vintage Griswold cast iron is safe to cook on and in fact outperforms most modern cast iron due to its thinner walls and smoother cooking surface. As long as the piece has no cracks, deep pitting, or evidence of repair, a properly seasoned vintage Griswold skillet is an excellent daily cooking tool. Many cast iron collectors use their pieces regularly.

What does the number on my Griswold skillet mean?

The number (No. 3, No. 8, etc.) is a size designation, not a diameter in inches. A No. 8 skillet measures approximately 10.5 inches across the top. The number is cast into the top of the handle and also usually appears in the logo circle on the bottom of the pan. Griswold and Wagner both used the same numbering system, so a Griswold No. 8 and a Wagner No. 8 are the same size.

How do I tell a Large Block Logo from a Small Block Logo?

Hold the pan at a low angle under good light and look at the letters in GRISWOLD. On the Large Block Logo (1905-1930), the letters are large, bold, and fill most of the upper arc of the circle. On the Small Block Logo (1930-1940), the same letters are noticeably smaller and thinner, with more space around them within the circle. This distinction is worth $30-100 on a standard No. 8 skillet, so it pays to know it.