Griswold small logo #4 with early handle

[Craig Allison]

It doesn't seem like a tough target but so far I've not been able to prove it's existence.
The Blue book doesn't list it but I have to ask why would they skip the early handle and then return with the late and grooved handles. Makes no sense.
A friend who knows alot more than I about collecting says that the blue and red books only show what the authors have come in contact with. Suggests the same thing that I've been thinking. No reason to skip that version.

What do y'all say?

[Neal Birkett]

Here's a reason that small logo 4s with early handle might have been skipped.  There are several factors at play in this hypothesis, so it might seem complicated, but life gets that way. 

4s were not as big of seller as 3s and 5s.  Also, the time period for the early handle skillets were the war years, and if they did not have a need for them (due to low sales or any other reason), they just would not cast more.  So if Griswold had a pile of large logo smooth bottom 4s cast up in the late 1930s (recall "poor seller"), it is conceivable they might not need more until after 1945, at which time the "late" handle was in use.  There does seem to be quite a few smooth bottom block logos relative to the heat ring skillets. 

That said, I will now start watching for small logo, early handle 4s.  Might be as rare as the 10 grooved handle.

[Craig Allison]

Well thanks, Neal.
Interesting viewpoint. But I'll keep looking because it is the one blank spot in my #4 collection.
BTW, I'd rather cook in a #4 than a #3 anytime.

[Neal Birkett]

Interesting.  My most common item to cook in iron is 2 eggs, so, well, I use a 2. 

Nonetheless, I will watch for the small logo early handle 4.  Maybe other members can contribute if they have, or have not, seen such an item.