Valerie,
I have wondered many times why there are so many hinge tab skillets and so few skillet covers. However, the number of covers for the No. 5 and 8 sets seems to be more in line with the number of skillets that are out there. The opposite is the case for the No. 3.
I will take a stab at how common the covers are. The skillets, for the most part, seem to be pretty common, unless it is one you are looking for.
No. 3 cover - very uncommon. I have seen only one sell on eBay and it went for over $5,000. The No. 3 hinge tab skillet is very common. :-? You've got to ask yourself, "Why is this the case?" I'd like to know how many members own this skillet cover so I can have an idea of how rare it really is.
No. 5 cover - very common. The skillet and cover set are on eBay all of the time.
No. 6 cover - uncommon. I have heard people say that they think this is the second most uncommon hinge tab skillet cover. A former WAGS member had this set on eBay for a long time at about $600, but I cannot say if it ever sold.
No. 7 cover - uncommon. The cover only shows up from time to time, but there are a lot of skillets. I think I remember this set on eBay at a BIN price of $295, which I thought was on the high side. I would say that a nice example of this cover is worth somewhere in the range of $150.
No. 8 cover - very common. This one came in two variations: one with the a ridge that conforms to the skillet's pouring lips and one with a ridge that is round. The round ridge came in a set that included a Dutch oven, so it seems to be more common than the No. 8 cover that will only fit on the skillet. I think there are a lot of round ridge covers that are porcelain-coated on the inside.
No. 9 cover - uncommon. You don't see these very often. I think the skillet is a bit uncommon, too.
I hope that answers your questions.
Jeff
