Cast Iron Cookware Identification: How to Spot a “Griswold” Original

Authentic Griswold cast iron cookware is identified by the distinctive “cross” logo on the bottom, the “ERIE” or “ERIE PA” location stamp, and a unique pattern number. Produced between 1865 and 1957, genuine pieces feature a satin-smooth interior finish and generally weigh less than modern counterparts.

Imagine you are at a dusty estate sale in rural Pennsylvania, digging through a cardboard box under a workbench. You pull out a heavy, blackened skillet covered in decades of grime.

It feels lighter than a new pan, and the surface is incredibly smooth beneath the grease. You flip it over. If you know what to look for, that dirty pan could be a $200 treasure rather than scrap metal.

As an antique dealer and appraiser for over two years, I’ve seen thousands of skillets, but few excite the collector market like a vintage Griswold.

How can I tell if my cast iron skillet is a real Griswold?

The primary method for attribution is the logo mark on the underside of the cookware. Griswold changed their logo design significantly over the decades, which helps us date the piece instantly.

The most desirable mark is the “Large Block” logo (manufactured roughly 1920–1940). It features the word GRISWOLD in large block letters inside a cross.

Earlier pieces might have the “Slant” logo (1906–1929), where the text is italicized.

Later vintage pieces (1939–1957) feature the “Small Block” logo. While still valuable, these generally command a lower fair market value than the earlier block logos.

Identifying these marks manually can take hours, especially when rust obscures the lettering. Using the Antique Identifier app, you can simply take a photo and get an instant result.

Where are the secret markings located on the pan?

Beyond the logo, you need to look for the Pattern Number.

Griswold was meticulous about cataloging. Every size and type of pan had a number. For example, a #8 skillet might be marked “704”.

If you see a skillet that says “Griswold” but lacks a pattern number or “ERIE, PA,” treat it with suspicion.

Also, check the handle. Early Griswold handles have a specific teardrop shape cut out of the handle, whereas later ones are more oval.

This level of detail is crucial for authentication. I once performed an appraisal on a collection where the owner missed these numbers, undervaluing his collection by thousands.

What is the market value of Griswold cookware in 2026?

Value depends heavily on the condition report.

A #8 Large Block logo skillet typically sells for $100 to $150 if it sits flat.

However, rare pieces like a #13 skillet or a “Spider” logo skillet (used briefly in the 1890s) can fetch $1,500 to $3,000 at a reputable auction house.

Pro Tip: Always check for “spinners.” Place the pan on a flat surface and tap the handle. If it spins easily, the bottom is warped. This significantly lowers the auction estimate because it won’t cook evenly on glass stoves.

Checking for flatness is just as important as checking for cracks. This attention to structural integrity is similar to what we cover in our guide on Identifying Duncan Phyfe Furniture: 5 Marks of Authenticity, where construction details dictate value.

How do I spot a fake or reproduction Griswold?

Forgery detection is a necessary skill in this niche.

In the mid-20th century, and even recently, inferior copies were made using real Griswold pans as the mold.

The easiest tell? Look at the casting quality.

Real Griswold iron is famous for its silk-like smoothness. If the surface feels like sandpaper or pebbled (like a modern Lodge pan), it is likely a reproduction or a very late piece made after the company was sold.

Also, look at the lettering. On a fake, the logo often looks “soft” or blurry because the mold wasn’t crisp.

Is rusty cast iron worth buying?

Yes, but you must assess the depth of the damage.

Surface rust is easily fixed with proper restoration techniques (electrolysis or lye baths).

However, pitting is permanent. If the rust has eaten craters into the metal, the replacement value drops to zero for collectors, though it might still be a usable camper pan.

Conservation of these pieces means avoiding wire brushes, which destroy the “collector” value surface.

Related Antique Identification Guides

Expand your expertise with these related guides: Identifying Antique Trunks and Chests: Steamer vs. Jenny Lind Styles, Identifying Duncan Phyfe Furniture: 5 Marks of Authenticity, Fenton Glass Identification: How to Spot Rare Colors and Patterns