If you recently inherited a heavy, black skillet that says “Griswold” on the bottom, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth a small fortune or just a good cooking tool. The short answer: some of them are surprisingly valuable, but most are in the $50–$150 range. Here’s the real talk, straight from the eBay sold listings and a few years of watching people argue about “patina.”

What Makes a Griswold Valuable?

Griswold Manufacturing (Erie, PA) made cast iron from the 1860s until 1957. Their skillets, griddles, and waffle irons are prized for being smooth, lightweight, and well-balanced. The value mostly depends on three things: size, rarity, and condition. The rarest pieces are the small ones (#0, #1, #2) and unusually shaped items like “ERIE” marked pans or early “Erie Spider” skillets with three legs. The most common are #8 and #10 skillets (10- and 12-inch), which you’ll find in nearly every estate sale.

Real Sold Prices (Don’t Trust the Asking Prices)

Here are actual eBay sold listings from recent months (prices include what someone actually paid, not what dreamers are asking):

  • Griswold #8 Large Block Logo Skillet (common size, good condition) — $60–$90. Add $15–$20 for a matching lid. Shipping warning: That skillet weighs 4–5 lbs, and a typical USPS Priority box with insurance runs $12–$18. Don’t be shocked when the buyer asks for free shipping.
  • Griswold #10 Small Block Logo Skillet (very common, light pitting) — $50–$70. If it’s warped (rocking on a flat surface), cut that in half.
  • Griswold #2 Skillet (hard to find, about 7 inches) — $120–$200. These little guys are collector darlings. Expect to pay $15–$20 to ship one, but they fit in a smaller flat-rate box.
  • Griswold #12 Skillet (big, 14 inches, heavy) — $150–$250. Shipping this beast: $25–$35 easily. A #12 can weigh 8+ pounds, so plan on priority mail cubic or a flat-rate large box that costs $20+.
  • Griswold Erie Spider (three-legged, mid-1800s, rough condition) — $300–$500 if it’s intact and not cracked. But these are rare enough that you might never see one.

The “I Found One in My Attic” Special

Most Griswold pieces you’ll pull out of Grandma’s basement are #5 through #10 skillets with a slant or block logo. Unless they’re cracked, badly warped, or have been ground down on a bench grinder, they’ll sell for $40–$100. The real money is in complete sets (like a #3, #5, #8, and #10 with lids) or unusual items like a Griswold waffle iron (base + two paddles, $100–$200 if clean).

The Shipping Gotcha

Cast iron is heavy. A #8 skillet costs about $12 to ship in a medium flat-rate box, but if you’re selling a #12 or a dutch oven, you’re looking at $20–$35. Buyers often expect free shipping, so factor that into your price. Also, pack it tight — bubble wrap, double boxing, and tape like you’re shipping a bomb. A broken skillet in the mail is a total loss.

Practical Recommendation

If you’re selling: Take clear photos of the bottom (the logo and any size number), the inside surface (no pitting or rust holes), and a shot of it sitting flat on a counter. List it on eBay with a starting bid of $40–$60 for common sizes, or $100+ for #2, #0, or odd pieces. Use the “sold” filter to see real comps — ignore anyone asking $500 for a #8 with a chip.

If you’re keeping it: That Griswold is a genuinely great cooking tool. Strip any rust with white vinegar, season it with vegetable oil, and use it for everything from cornbread to seared steaks. Value aside, it will outlast your grandchildren — and you won’t have to store it in the garage.

Bottom line: your grandmother’s skillet is worth a decent dinner out, not a retirement fund. But it’s still one of the best pieces of American cookware ever made.