Note: This post was originally written and posted in 2018. Dates and details have undoubtedly changed since then! One very important note is that as of 2025, Brenda is the current Vice President of the Griswold & Cast Iron Cookware Association. Brenda and Doyle Cast-iron collectors Brenda Bernstein and Doyle Pregler live in New London,…
Cast Iron, General & Miscellany
Posts that deal with miscellaneous cast iron pieces and accessories, identification, and posts that just don't fit anywhere else on the blog. :)
Why Griswold Made Both a High- and Low-Base for its Waffle Irons
Why did the Griswold Manufacturing Company sell its waffle irons with two different bases – a high (tall) base and a low base? I’ve seen this theorized here and there before, and the theories all made sense, but here it is right from the mouth of Griswold’s marketing department in 1921! “The Griswold Heart-Star Waffle…
1883 Selden & Griswold Hollow Ware Product List Available for Download
Here’s a nice find: a digital reprint of an 1883 fold-out hollow ware product brochure by the Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company of Erie, Pennsylvania. As you can see, the front cover of the Selden & Griswold brochure has some handwritten words. I suspect the handwriting on the cover – “C.A.M. from M.G.Sr.” – refers…
1924 Wagner Cast Iron and Aluminum Catalog Public Domain, Available for Download
I ran across the Wagner Manufacturing Company’s Catalog number 30 on the internet. It is a 96-page catalog from 1924. It is in the public domain and available for free download. You can find it here. These catalogs are an invaluable resource for collectors and enthusiasts.
The Origin of Griswold’s Erie Spider Trademark
The Griswold “Erie” Spider trademark skillet is among the most sought-after by collectors. What is the origin of the spider trademark, you ask? Bulletin A of Griswold’s “general catalogue” (1904) (left) gives us a pretty solid clue: The back of Bulletin A shows the spider trademark, and states: As the little spider brought success to…
Looking for the Value of a Particular Piece? Finding Recent “Sold” Prices is a Good Start.
“What’s it worth?” I’ve said it before – in my opinion, the current “value” of a particular piece is shown by what someone is willing to pay for it. Age, scarcity, the precise markings on the pan, current demand, timing, the reputation of the seller, and condition condition condition are all reflected in the what…
Fake and Reproduction Griswold and More, by Larry O’Neil
Many moons ago, Larry O’Neil prepared a presentation of some fake and reproduction Griswold and other poorly cast pieces that had crossed his path. Larry O’Neil, of course, is the movie star collector from Tacoma, Washington who – along with his so-not-shrinking-violet spouse Marg – has a ginormous private cast iron museum. Larry and Marg…
1911 Griswold Bulletin A6 Available for Download
While I was nosing around re-finding the public access site for the Griswold catalog no. 45, I ran across this Griswold cast aluminum product bulletin dated September 1, 1911: “Cast Aluminum Oven Ware and New Safety Tea Kettle.” It is in the public domain and is available for free .pdf download. CLICK HERE to access…