Mom’s Old Skillet Might Be Worth More Than a Nice Dinner Out

If you’ve inherited a skillet with “Griswold” stamped on the bottom, you’re probably wondering if it’s a priceless heirloom or just a really heavy pan. Short answer: It depends. Long answer: Some are worth a few hundred bucks; most are worth less than you’d hope after shipping costs. Let’s break it down for real.

What Makes a Griswold Valuable?

Griswold Manufacturing (Erie, PA) made some of the best cast iron cookware from 1865 to 1957. They’re smooth, lightweight, and seasoned like a dream. Collectors chase three things: size, rarity, and condition. A #10 or #12 skillet (10-12 inches) is the sweet spot. Weird pieces like waffle irons or gem pans can fetch big money. But that common #8 skillet your mom used for Sunday bacon? Probably $30–$60, not $300.

Real eBay Sold Prices (Not the Asking Price)

I looked at actual sold listings from the past 90 days to give you a realistic picture:

  • #8 Skillet (common size, 10.5-inch): Good condition, smooth cooking surface, no pitting – sells for $35–$60. If it’s crusted with carbon and wobbles, maybe $15.
  • #10 Skillet (12-inch, large): Clean with original seasoning – $90–$150. Rusty or warped? $40–$60.
  • Griswold Waffle Iron (round or square): Complete with base and handle, good condition – $150–$250. Missing the base? $60–$90.
  • Griswold “Spider” Skillet (early, long handle with three legs): Rare – $400–$800 depending on markings. You’d know if you had one.
  • Griswold No. 3 French Roll or Corn Stick Pan: $50–$100, but shipping is killer.

Prices drop fast if there’s cracks, deep pitting, or if someone power-washed it smooth (please don’t).

The Shipping Nightmare (Don’t Ignore This)

Cast iron is dense. A #10 skillet weighs about 5–6 pounds. Shipping that across the country can cost $15–$25 (with insurance) for USPS Priority Mail. Add a box, packing tape, and bubble wrap – another $5. Suddenly your $50 sale is $30 in your pocket. And if you ship it loose in a box? It arrives broken, and you eat the loss. Pro tip: Use Pirateship for discounted rates, and wrap each piece like it’s your only child.

How to Know If You Have a Dog or a Diamond

Flip the pan. Look for the “Erie, PA” stamp with a cross inside the circle (that’s the later logo). If it says “Griswold’s” in an arched font, it’s pre-1930s – more desirable. If there’s a heat ring or a “spider” logo, you might have a gem. Also check for surface quality: the smoother the better. If it feels like sandpaper, it’s been sandblasted or pitted, and value plummets.

What Should You Actually Do with It?

If you cook: Keep a #8 or #10 and enjoy it. They’re excellent users – better than modern Lodge. Don’t strip it unless it’s gross. Just scrub with soap (yes, modern soap is fine) and reseason.

If you need cash: Clean it gently (no sanding, no self-cleaning oven cycle), take clear photos of markings and the cooking surface, and list it on eBay “used” with a starting bid at your lowest acceptable price. Or sell locally on Facebook Marketplace to avoid shipping. A #8 in decent condition should fetch $30–$50 cash in hand.

If it’s a rare piece (waffle iron, #12 skillet, or any “spider”): Consider a specialized cast iron collector group on Facebook or a site like Castironcollector.com. They pay fair prices and won’t lowball you like a pawn shop.

Bottom line: Your Griswold is probably worth more as a tool than as an investment. But if you have a dusty #12 skillet sitting in a box, you might be looking at $150–$200. Just don’t quit your day job yet.