Re: SHOW US WHAT YOU HAVE!!!!

[Andrew Jackson]

My grandmother gave me this skillet today. It's not my first cast iron (i have a mid 40s Lodge), but it is my first Griswold. It definitely needs stripped and re-seasoned, but looks to be in pretty fair shape.

It's a small logo #8, but I found this interesting in the FAQ:

"One of Griswold's most prolific pieces is the No.8 block TM smooth bottom skillet. For these Steve Stephens, a long time collector, has identified all letters of the alphabet (plus no letter), except for the letters I, O, U and Q and some of these could still turn up. "

My skillet definitely is stamped with an I. I know that doesn't mean it's rare or extra valuable, but I do think it's neat that I happened into one that seems to have a rare/uncommon letter.

[Duke Gilleland]

Welcome to WAGS from down in Texas! GREAT [smiley=thumbsup.gif]to have you here with us at WAGS! [smiley=welcome.gif]
What you have is a # 8 Grooved handle that was made between 1944-57. The "I" would be the molders mark which was used to track such things as quantity and quality control.  Years ago the 2nd shift at Lodge included a tiny raised spade(card suit) to show that it was made by the 2nd shift molders. These marks for the most part would not effect the value of the piece of c/i. If anything, the grooved handle "might" make it a little more sought after as you seem not to see as many of that line of skillets. Again, welcome to WAGS!

[Andrew Jackson]

Thank you for the good info! All in all, I'm still very new to the world of cast iron- especially vintage! I have just 2 vintage skillets (this is now my 2nd), and 3 pieces of new cast iron (American only, of course!).

[Duke Gilleland]

Andrew, we all started with none or just a few. But by coming to WAGS, you are now involved with the best group of C/I collectors on the internet. The amount of RESEARCH material here is unimaginable! Again... [smiley=welcome.gif]