Griswold Cast Iron Value & Price Guide

Griswold cast iron is widely considered the gold standard for vintage American cookware, prized for its smooth finish and lightweight design. Collectors and home chefs alike seek out these iconic pieces from Erie, Pennsylvania, for their superior heat retention and historical craftsmanship.

Price Range: $100 - $140 based on recent sales

History of Griswold Cast Iron

Founded in 1865 in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Griswold Manufacturing Company began as a small producer of light hardware before evolving into the premier manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the United States. During the early 20th century, the company perfected a casting process that resulted in thinner, lighter, and smoother pans than their competitors, earning them a reputation for excellence that lasted until the factory closed in 1957. Throughout its history, Griswold produced a vast array of items beyond simple skillets, including the famous 'Tite-Top' Dutch ovens, intricate cake molds, and the 'Iron Mountain' series. These pieces are now categorized by collectors based on their distinct logos—ranging from the early 'Erie' marks to the iconic large cross logo—each representing a specific era of American industrial history.

Value Factors for Griswold Cast Iron

The typical price range for Griswold Cast Iron is $100 - $140 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Logo Type: Large Block and Slant logos are generally more valuable to collectors than the Small Logo pieces produced in the mid-20th century.
• Surface Condition: Pieces with a factory-smooth milling and no rust pitting or 'sulfur rot' from coal stoves fetch the highest premiums.
• Rarity of Size: Extremely small or very large skillet sizes, such as the No. 2 or No. 13, are significantly rarer and more expensive than common sizes like No. 8.
• Completeness: For Dutch ovens and specialized bakers, having the original matching 'Tite-Top' lid or base increases the value substantially.

Tips for Buying Griswold Cast Iron

• Check for the 'Slant Logo' or 'Large Block Logo' on the bottom, as these older markings often command higher prices than the later 'Small Logo' versions.
• Place the skillet on a perfectly flat surface to check for 'wobble' or 'spin,' which indicates heat damage or warping that significantly reduces value.
• Inspect the cooking surface for deep pitting or cracks, as a smooth, glass-like interior is the hallmark of a high-quality Griswold piece.
• Verify the pattern numbers located on the handle or bottom to ensure the piece is an authentic Griswold production rather than a contemporary reproduction.

Items in This Collection

• Griswold Cast Iron Lid
• Griswold Cast Iron Lamb Cake Mold
• Griswold Deep Fat Fryer
• Griswold Iron Mountain Skillet
• Griswold No. 3 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold No. 7 Tite-Top Dutch Oven
• Griswold Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold Pup
• Griswold No. 5 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold Cast Iron Skillet No. 9
• Griswold No. 7 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold No. 10 Tite-Top Dutch Oven
• Griswold No. 8 Dutch Oven
• Griswold No. 10 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold No. 6 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold No. 9 Cast Iron Skillet
• Griswold No. 8 Tite-Top Dutch Oven