Identify Rare And Hard To Find Griswold Cast Iron (2024)

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 basem*nts and discount it as non-collectible. Do you have a tiny Griswold skillet or a lid without a pot? Please don’t throw it away because it could be sought after by collectors.

Table Of Contents

• What is rare Griswold ironware?
• Does scarcity equal value?
• 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 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 scrap heap, I have to say not all rare Griswold ironware holds much 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 you would expect to hold not to have much usability, are highly sought-after by collectors. So hold on to them if you find them in the junk drawer, and you can research them later.

Here are some reasonsGriswold 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, 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; consumers preferred size numbers 3, 5, 8, and 9.

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 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, 3 and 5. So, Griswold Manufacturing likely produced fewer of these skillets, making it challenging for collectors wanting to complete a full set.

Griswold Produced The Number 4 With The Following Logos.

If you are unsure what theGriswold small logolooks like, then look at this article.

Rare Large Griswold Skillets | Look For The Following Sizes: 13, 14, and 20

The large Griswold skillets between 10 and 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, attracting the attention of cast iron enthusiasts and home cooks.

Luckily, many of the larger skillets are still in good condition, as proud owners have taken care of them 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.

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 frying temperatures. It is common for these pots to have a warp and or spin on a flat surface.

Warping decreases the value of the pan. You can read this article to learn about otherfactors 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 collector happy if you put them 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 want to add a rare piece of cast iron to your collection, look no further than the Griswold Loaf pan. These pans rarely come onto 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, watch 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 Griswold collector. While the pans do not command the higher price tag of the more recognized pieces, they are 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 thedifferent Griswold logos, click 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.

References

• http://www.castironcollector.com/unusual.php