pattern number Archives

“ERIE” Skillets

By Roy G. Meadows, as updated March 17, 2025 Foreword by Mary Theisen On March 17, 2025, I had the opportunity to interview Roy G. Meadows. Mr. Meadows is well-known in the cast iron collecting community for his expertise and extensive knowledge–particularly of antique “ERIE” cast iron skillets, which were produced in Erie, Pennsylvania by…

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Set of vintage Griswold Iron Mountain cast iron skillets.

Identifying the Griswold Iron Mountain Line of Vintage Cast Iron Cookware

Tips to help identify the Iron Mountain (by Griswold) line of vintage cast iron cookware, made in the 1940s.

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From the Iron Age Catalogue of American Exports, 1920 ed., vol. II. Griswold listed its items that were available for export and provided drawings and descriptions of the products and how they were used.

From the Iron Age Catalogue of American Exports, 1920 ed., vol. II. Griswold listed its items that were available for export and provided drawings and descriptions of the products and how they were used. ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago

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Griswold offered different finishes on some products. Here is a lovely jade green enameled no. 3 cast iron skillet with self-basting cover.

As you can see in the ad from the July 1929 Hardware Retailer, Griswold referred to these particular enameled pieces as part of their Chinalike line, presumably because of the porcelain-like finish. It can be challenging to find the enameled pieces in excellent condition.

The number 3 skillet and lid shown in the main photo are from the vast collection of Larry and Marg ONeil of Tacoma, Washington.

The number 8 skillet and lid are from the collection of Doug and Kathy Wenz of North Platte, Nebraska.

Griswold offered different finishes on some products. Here is a lovely jade green enameled no. 3 cast iron skillet with self-basting cover.

As you can see in the ad from the July 1929 Hardware Retailer, Griswold referred to these particular enameled pieces as part of their "Chinalike" line, presumably because of the porcelain-like finish. It can be challenging to find the enameled pieces in excellent condition.

The number 3 skillet and lid shown in the main photo are from the vast collection of Larry and Marg O'Neil of Tacoma, Washington.

The number 8 skillet and lid are from the collection of Doug and Kathy Wenz of North Platte, Nebraska. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

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Three versions of the Wagner cast aluminum Rapid Heat griddle with wood handles. From the collection of Larry and Marg ONeil of Tacoma, Washington.

Every piece in the massive ONeil collection is different from all of the others.

Three versions of the Wagner cast aluminum "Rapid Heat" griddle with wood handles. From the collection of Larry and Marg O'Neil of Tacoma, Washington.

Every piece in the massive O'Neil collection is different from all of the others. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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I want to learn more about this.

There is a recent recall in the UK on Emba cast iron cookware."The products present a health risk as testing has identified potential migration of heavy metal components during use of the product."

The government publication announcing the recall does not identify the "heavy metal components" or specify the circumstances under which the components migrate. What makes the composition of the Emba cookware different from other cast iron cookware?

www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/product-recall-cookware-cast-iron-skillet-warning

See also www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-emba-cast-iron-cookware-2502-0151 ... See MoreSee Less

Product Recall: Emba Cast Iron Cookware (2502-0151)

www.gov.uk

Product Recall for Emba Cast Iron Cookware presenting a health risk.

3 weeks ago

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Gorgeous Griswold vintage cast iron Colonial Breakfast Skillet with original label.

From the collection of Larry and Marg O'Neil, natch. ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

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Antique number 2 Griswold skillets with these markings are quite valuable when in good condition, and very hard to find. This particular pan is from the collection of Clayton Mitchell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A pan with these same markings (Griswold slant logo, heat ring, "ERIE", pattern number 703) sold at a February 2025 Air Works Consignment auction for $1050 (plus 20% buyer's premium).

Wouldn't it be fun to find one of these in the wild? ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

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I made fried rice for dinner tonight in my beautiful cracked antique ERIE (by Griswold) number 11 cast iron skillet. The red arrow in the photos points to the hairline crack. I have been the custodian of this pan for about 10 years now; it has regular use in my kitchen.

A hairline crack does not render an old cast iron pan useless. Its value to a potential buyer is of course lessened, but its value as a display piece, cooker, and precious piece of history remains.

As I have said a million times, I love thinking about the history of these old pans - where they have been, how they have been used, and what families they have served. This pan is over 100 years old and it is still in service. With proper care, it will last for many more years.

To me, this old pan is a priceless piece of serviceable history.

I made fried rice for dinner tonight in my beautiful cracked antique "ERIE" (by Griswold) number 11 cast iron skillet. The red arrow in the photos points to the hairline crack. I have been the custodian of this pan for about 10 years now; it has regular use in my kitchen.

A hairline crack does not render an old cast iron pan useless. Its value to a potential buyer is of course lessened, but its value as a display piece, cooker, and precious piece of history remains.

As I have said a million times, I love thinking about the history of these old pans - where they have been, how they have been used, and what families they have served. This pan is over 100 years old and it is still in service. With proper care, it will last for many more years.

To me, this old pan is a priceless piece of serviceable history. ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago

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Joannie Baldini is one of the founders of the Griswold & Cast Iron Cookware Association; one of the national collecting groups involved in antique and vintage cast iron cookware. She is an ardent student of the iron, and very interested in its history. Here's a little bit more about Joannie and her cast iron adventure! ... See MoreSee Less

Griswold Cast Iron Collector Joannie Baldini

griswoldcookware.com

Joannie Baldini Joannie Baldini and her late husband Joe, of Erie, Pennsylvania, are two of the six founders of the Griswold & Cast Iron Cookware Association (GCICA), a national vintage and cast iron ...

1 month ago

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I am happy to see that Alton Brown is a fan of Griswold - I always knew I liked him. :) I see three small logo Griswold's on the wall behind him; one with grooved handle. Any of the others immediately identifiable to you? ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

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