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:
| Logo Name | Years | Key Features | Skillet Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Mark | 1865–1880 | Spider or cross mark with company name; extremely rare; most in museum collections | $500–$2,000+ |
| Erie PA Logo | 1880–1905 | “ERIE” prominent with “GRISWOLD MFG. CO.” in oval; thinnest walls and finest machining | $100–$600 |
| Large Block Logo | 1905–1930 | Large block “GRISWOLD” in cross-and-circle; “ERIE, PA USA” + pattern number; most valuable common mark | $75–$400 |
| Small Block Logo | 1930–1940 | Same cross-and-circle but “GRISWOLD” in noticeably smaller text | $40–$150 |
| Large EPU Logo | 1940–1957 | “ERIE, PA USA” in oval beneath cross-and-circle; smaller lettering; final pre-Wagner era | $25–$80 |
| Slant Logo | 1957–1969 | “GRISWOLD” in slanted italic script; post-Wagner acquisition; least desirable era | $15–$50 |
| Heat Ring Premium | Pre-1940 | Raised outer ring on bottom; genuine age indicator across all early logo eras | +20–30% premium |
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:
| Size | Diameter | Large Block Logo Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 2 | 6.5 in | $150–$400 | Rare small size; high collector demand |
| No. 3 | 7 in | $40–$120 | Uncommon; useful small skillet |
| No. 4 | 7.5 in | $35–$100 | Good single-serving size |
| No. 5 | 8.5 in | $35–$90 | Common; good starter piece |
| No. 6 | 9 in | $30–$80 | Very common; widely available |
| No. 7 | 9.5 in | $40–$100 | Popular everyday size |
| No. 8 | 10.5 in | $50–$180 | Most common and most traded size |
| No. 9 | 11 in | $60–$200 | Less common than No. 8 |
| No. 10 | 11.75 in | $80–$250 | Good size for serious collectors |
| No. 11 | 12 in | $150–$450 | Significantly rarer; premium demand |
| No. 12 | 13.5 in | $200–$600 | Large and rare; premium market |
| No. 13 & 14 | 14+ in | $400–$1,200+ | Very rare; advanced collectors only |
| No. 20 | 15+ in | $800–$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.
| Feature | Griswold | Wagner |
|---|---|---|
| Logo style | Cross-and-circle with large or small block “GRISWOLD”; “ERIE, PA USA” always present | Simple oval with “WAGNER WARE” prominently displayed |
| Cooking surface | Exceptionally smooth via proprietary polishing process | Smooth but slightly less refined; still high quality |
| Handle shape | Shorter and more angular | Longer and more curved — easier to identify by feel |
| Relative value | Baseline — premium brand | 30–50% less than comparable Griswold (e.g., $60–$75 where Griswold LBL No. 8 = $100) |
| Early ID mark | “ERIE, PA USA” always in logo | Early pieces marked “SIDNEY O.” for Sidney, Ohio |
| Post-1957 overlap | Slant Logo (1957–1969); less desirable | Produced alongside Griswold after acquisition; some hybrid pieces exist |
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:
| Piece Type | Key Models | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Ovens | Matching skillet-and-lid sets; No. 8 LBL in matched condition | $150–$500 |
| Waffle Irons | American and Hearts & Star patterns; Erie Logo most sought-after | $200–$1,500 |
| Corn Stick Pans | No. 273 (7 sticks) and No. 282 (7 sticks, wider); LBL versions | $80–$250 |
| Muffin Pans | No. 10 and No. 11; popular with bakers and collectors | $75–$200 |
| Tea Kettles | Far rarer than skillets; Erie Logo examples most valuable | $200–$600 |
| Griddles | Smooth and ribbed styles; No. 9 and No. 10 most common | $80–$200 |
| Chicken Fryers | Deep skillets with high straight sides; No. 8 with matching lid | $150–$400 |
| Bread Pans | Loaf and bread stick styles; popular with baking enthusiasts | $60–$200 |
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:
| Check | What Authentic Looks Like | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Read the mark | Crisp, even lettering; symmetrical cross-and-circle; use low-angle flashlight | Off-center design or soft, blurred text = reproduction |
| Gate mark (pre-1905) | Raised seam line across bottom from casting; genuine age indicator that cannot be faked cheaply | No gate mark on claimed pre-1905 piece |
| Cooking surface | Nearly as smooth as stainless steel for LBL and Erie pieces; fine sandpaper feel at most | Rough, pebbly texture = reproduction or late low-quality piece |
| Weight check | No. 8 weighs 4.5–5 lbs (thinner walls than modern cast iron) | Feels as heavy as Lodge (5.5–6 lbs) = likely not vintage Griswold |
| Repair inspection | Uniform interior texture throughout under strong light | Ridge, discoloration, or texture difference = weld repair; reduces value 50–75% |
| Cleaning history | Smooth, even surface inside and out with no circular marks | Circular scratch patterns under magnification = aggressive sanding to hide damage |
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.
See our complete vintage kitchenware guide for an overview of all major collectible kitchenware brands and their values. For other antique workshop finds, see our antique hand tools value guide.