Yes, yes, I know I’ve written thousands of articles (I might be exaggerating, but only a tiny bit) about the O’Neils and their massive vintage and antique cast iron collection (just do a search for O’Neil on this site – they have their own category!) I’ve also made a series of videos showcasing the collection….
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. :)
Top Prices Realized from November 13 and 14, 2025 Dinky’s Cast Iron Collector’s Auction
A large two-day cast iron collector’s auction was held on November 13 and 14, 2025 at Dinky’s Auction Center in Montgomery, Indiana. Pieces offered were primarily from several long-time collectors. As you review the auction prices shown below, bear in mind that the prices are the gavel price – i.e. they do not include any…
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…