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Vintage kitchenware items are one of the most sought-after items at thrift stores, especially those by well-known brands like Le Creuset. Cast iron is also popular because of its near indestructibility and the fact that you can use it to cook almost anything. While brands like Lodge and Made-in offer well-made new cast iron, there’s one vintage cast iron maker you’ll be thrilled to find at any thrift store: Griswold.
Founded in 1865 in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Griswold Manufacturing Company quickly established a name for itself as one of the finest cast iron cookware manufacturers of the late 19th century. They produced a wide variety of bakeware, as well as enamel-coated and electric cookware in the 1920s, in skillets, pots and cast iron.
What makes Griswold cast iron famous is its quality. While modern cast iron skillets are heavy with relatively rough surfacing, Griswold cast iron is known for its smooth finish, excellent thermal qualities, and ergonomic handle. It is also light, which makes it easy to cook. Some rare models, such as the Erie models from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are very valuable. A skillet, stamped with the rare spider logo, sold in February 2025 for $4,000. Like, if you find a cheap one at a thrift store, you’ll walk away A quality cookware brand that can add value to your hall!
How to Identify Authentic Vintage Griswold Cast Iron Skillets
Knowing what to look for is incredibly important when making any type of purchase Valuable vintage kitchenware at thrift stores. Such is the case with Griswold cast iron skillets. One of the things you’ll notice right away is the finish and shape of the Griswold pan. anyone Cast iron that is well maintained A smooth finish and will have a nice shine. Griswold skillets also have distinctive, oval handles, which, on some models, may have numbers or markings engraved below.
However, you need to see the underside of Griswold to appreciate his true honesty. Most Griswold cast iron pans can be identified by the clear, cross pattern “GRISWOLD” trademark in the center. Earlier models would carry the Selden & Griswold Manufacturing Company trademark, a reference to the partnership of Selden Brothers and Matthew Griswold who started the company in 1865. Another rare marking is the aforementioned spider, which will have the very distinctive spider logo on the web stamped at the bottom of the web. Other markings will include the model number, patent and “Erie, PA” made-in stamp. If the pen you’re looking at doesn’t include any of these things, it’s probably not an authentic Griswold.
