🍳 Cast Iron Identification & Value
Most vintage cast iron is affordable everyday cookware, but the right maker, logo era and condition can turn a $20 skillet into a $200+ collectible. Value is driven mostly by maker (Griswold and Wagner lead the U.S. market), the logo variant that dates the piece, the size number, and condition — a flat, crack-free, well-seasoned pan sells far above a warped or cracked one. This guide identifies makers and logo eras and gives hedged value ranges built from sold prices; it is an educational estimate, not a formal appraisal.
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Value & identification guides
Griswold No. 8 Large Block Logo Skillet
c. 1909–1924 (Large Block Logo) · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$50–$400
Griswold Small Block Logo Skillet
c. 1939–1957 (Small Block Logo) · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$20–$150
Griswold Spider Skillet
c. 1890s–1900s (Spider Web / ERIE Spider) · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$800–$8,000
Griswold ERIE Skillet
c. 1880s–1900s (ERIE marking, pre-cross logo) · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$40–$600
Griswold Slant & 'EPU' Logo
Slant logo c. 1920s; EPU (ERIE PA U.S.A.) variants · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$50–$300
Griswold Toy & Miniature Skillet
Early–mid 20th century · Griswold Mfg. Co.
$25–$200
Griswold Skillet Size Numbers — Chart & Dimensions
All eras
Wagner Ware 'Sidney -O-' Skillet
Early 20th century (Sidney -O- marking) · Wagner Mfg. Co.
$35–$250
Wagner Magnalite (Cast Aluminum)
Mid 20th century onward · Wagner / Magnalite
$30–$200
How to Identify Griswold Cast Iron
1880s–1957 · Griswold Mfg. Co.
Frequently asked
How do I identify my cast iron skillet?
Start with the maker's mark and logo on the bottom, then the size number and any pattern number. Griswold and Wagner used distinct logos that changed over the decades, which date the piece; unmarked pans are often still identifiable by handle shape, heat ring and size markings.
Is unmarked cast iron worth anything?
Usually less than a marked Griswold or Wagner, but good unmarked pieces (e.g. by Lodge, Birmingham Stove & Range, or an unmarked Wagner) are still usable and can sell for $20–$60 depending on size and condition.
Does a crack ruin the value?
Largely, yes — a cracked skillet typically sells for a fraction of a sound one, mostly as a display or user piece. Flatness, no pitting and clean seasoning are what buyers pay for.
Value ranges are indicative educational estimates based on category, era, maker and condition — not a formal appraisal. Ranges reflect sold prices only.