The Enduring Legacy Of Griswold Cast Iron Pans

Griswold Manufacturing was an American producer of cast-iron kitchen products, founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in business from 1865 through 1957. The company gained a reputation for producing high-quality cast-iron cookware, including skillets, pots, grinding mills, and waffle irons. Today, Griswold pieces are collectors' items, known for their distinctive brand markings. So, are Griswold cast-iron pans still made? The short answer is no. The company was sold to various investors in the mid-20th century, and the Griswold brand was eventually acquired by the Wagner Manufacturing Company, which continued to produce cookware under the Griswold name until the late 1960s. Now, vintage Griswold cast-iron pans are sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate their quality, history, and unique brand markings.

Griswold cast iron pans are now collectors' items

Griswold cast iron pans are now highly sought-after collectors' items. The company's history goes back to the 19th century, and its skillets, pots, and other cookware are renowned for their high quality, good reputation, and durability. The items are valuable, rare, and collectible, with some dating back to the first phase of iron cast cookware production.

Griswold cast iron pans are desirable for several reasons. Firstly, they have a smoother cooking surface compared to other brands, which is a feature sought after by chefs, cooks, and housewives. Secondly, they are lighter in weight, making them more practical and easier to handle during cooking. Finally, they can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for cooking crispy and crunchy food.

The value of Griswold cast iron pans lies not only in their functionality but also in their historical significance as part of American heritage. The company's origins date back to 1865 when the Selden and Griswold families transformed a small family-run factory into a successful business. The company supplied Americans with elegant iron cast pans, pots, waffle irons, and other cookware until 1957.

Today, collectors and enthusiasts of vintage cast iron cookware are willing to pay high prices for Griswold cast iron pans, especially those from the early production periods. The pans' logos and markings can help determine their manufacturing dates, with some pieces bearing the ERIE logo, the diamond logo, or the Slant Logo with or without EPU.

Griswold cast iron pans have become collectors' items due to their high quality, durability, and historical significance. They are a valuable part of American history and are sought after by those who appreciate their functionality and unique design.

The company that made them was active from 1865 to 1957

Griswold Manufacturing, the company behind the Griswold cast iron pans, was founded in 1865 in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was in business until 1957. The company was founded by Matthew Griswold and his cousins, the brothers J.C. and Samuel Selden, and was originally called the Seldon-Griswold Manufacturing Company.

In its early years, the company produced a range of hardware products, including separable butt hinges, stovepipe dampers, and thimbles. In the 1870s, Griswold began manufacturing kitchen products, including skillets, pots, grinding mills, and waffle irons. The company changed hands several times after 1946, when it was sold by Ely Griswold to a New York investment group. The brand was eventually acquired by the Wagner Manufacturing Company in 1957, and the Griswold foundry in Erie was closed.

Despite no longer being produced by the original company, the Griswold name continued to be used on cast-iron cookware until the late 1960s. Today, Griswold cast iron pans are considered collectors' items, prized for their distinctive brand markings and high quality.

They are known for their high-quality cast iron

Griswold is a well-known name in the world of vintage cast iron cookware, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. They are particularly renowned for their high-quality cast iron, which has earned them a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts.

Griswold's cast iron cookware is often sought after for its unique combination of age, rarity, and exceptional condition. The quality of their vintage cast iron is evident in the smoother cooking surfaces compared to other popular brands like Lodge. This smoother surface is a result of the sandcasting process used in the production of their older pieces, particularly those crafted before the 1970s.

The superior quality of Griswold's cast iron cookware also extends to its weight and thickness. Their pieces are known for their heft, with some describing them as "behemoths." This weight contributes to the even heat distribution that cast iron is prized for, making Griswold's pieces highly effective for searing and cooking techniques that require consistent heat.

Griswold's attention to detail and craftsmanship is further showcased in the design of their cookware. Their skillets, for example, often feature heat rings, which enhance their performance by promoting even heating. Additionally, the brand has produced a range of speciality items, such as waffle irons, corn stick pans, and Dutch ovens, adding versatility to their collection.

Today, Griswold's vintage cast iron cookware is highly collectible, with some pieces commanding prices in the thousands. However, for those interested in acquiring a piece, thrift stores and junque shops are recommended over fancy antique stores for more affordable options. While some may find the investment in a Griswold piece worthwhile, others suggest that the performance difference between Griswold and newer cast iron options may not be significant enough to justify the higher price point.

Pans from the 1910s to the 1920s are the most sought-after

Griswold Manufacturing was an American manufacturer of cast-iron kitchen products founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in business from 1865 through 1957. The company gained a reputation for quality cast-iron products, particularly cookware, which were sold worldwide. The first aluminium cookware was a tea kettle made around 1893. In 1903 the company moved to new premises at 12th and Raspberry Streets. In the 1920s, Griswold began producing enameled items, and in the 1930s, they added electrical items to their product line.

The Griswold cast-iron pans, skillets, Dutch ovens, and other kitchen items had a reputation for high quality and are well known to antique collectors and sellers. The "Griswold cross" logo was first used by the manufacturer during the 1910s. For several years until the early 1920s, these pans had a slanted, slightly italicized "Griswold" name at the centre of the cross. The age and quality of these pans make them among the most desirable for collectors, and as such, they are often sold for high prices at antique malls and fairs.

The logo was changed to block lettering during the 1920s through the 1930s. This version of the Griswold logo is the most popular and well-known of the different variations, and images of this logo are often seen as the standard for representing collections of antique cast-iron cookware in general.

You can find Griswold pans for sale on eBay

Griswold pans are highly sought after by collectors. The brand has a rich history in cast-iron cookware, and its pans are known for their unique designs and quality. While Griswold no longer manufactures cast-iron pans, you can find a variety of vintage Griswold pans for sale on eBay.

EBay offers a wide range of pre-owned Griswold pans, including skillets, griddles, roasters, and Dutch ovens in various sizes and designs. These pans often feature the iconic Griswold logos, such as the Large Block Logo or the Slant Logo. Some of the skillets available include the Griswold Cast Iron Skillet with Heat Ring, the Griswold Iron Mountain Skillet, and the Antique Griswold's Erie Skillet. eBay also has listings for rarer pieces, such as the Griswold Dutch Oven with a matching lid and the Griswold Cast Iron Quaker Ware Casserole Pan.

In addition to individual pans, eBay offers Griswold cast-iron sets. These sets typically include skillets of various sizes, such as the Griswold Large Block Logo Skillet Set (sizes 3-10) and the Griswold Matching Slant EPU Logo Skillet Set (sizes 3-9). For those interested in waffle-making, there is the Griswold Cast Iron Waffle Iron Set, featuring a waffle iron with a low base and a finger hinge.

When purchasing vintage Griswold pans on eBay, it is essential to read the item descriptions carefully. These pans may have been restored or refurbished, and the listings should provide details about their condition, any flaws, and any unique characteristics. It is also important to note that prices can vary significantly depending on the rarity, age, and condition of the pan.

In conclusion, eBay is a great place to find vintage Griswold cast-iron pans. With a wide variety of options, competitive pricing, and detailed descriptions, eBay allows collectors and enthusiasts to expand their collections or purchase a unique gift for a loved one.

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