November 12, 2015: My Cast Iron Collection

A number of collectors have made KZbin videos showing off their prized collections. November 12 is a date of personal importance, and on this day in 2015, I felt like sitting down and rambling about my collection of cast iron cookware. I hope this video provides some information regarding the long and comvoluted history of cast iron pans of the 19th and 20th century. If not, then you can at least enjoy yourself making snide comments about this guy rambling on and on about old kitchen pots and pans.
More information can be found on my Web page, Cast Iron Chaos, at: www.modemac.com/wiki/Cast_Iron

[@NikonPhotoHawk]

Wow... please ramble on. I found this video and your collection very interesting, especially your "rambling" on the history and information on your pieces.

[@gopackgo2235]

lol that 20 minutes flew by. I think I am a bit of a collector. It all started when my father past and my siblings asked what I wanted from his estate. I replied, "just his fry pan".

[@ManLand]

Not only does this video show a bit of history up until 2015, it tells us a great bit about you as well...Bravo and I know there is an updated version coming soon.

[@bevoburn]

I loved hearing the stories behind some of your cast iron. My first cast iron piece in my collection was found by the dumpster at my apartment complex. I found a #8 nickel plated large logo Griswold and unmarked Wagner chicken fryer. (i joked and said that somebody threw out grandma's cast iron) They were in rough shape so i looked on youtube on how to clean them and discovered all these collector videos and recipes. Got me hooked and now i'm a collector.

[@robertguy1772]

Thank you so much for my personal validation. I gave cast iron cook-ware as Christmas gifts this year. One never knows if the receiver understands the cookability of cast iron or the physical and historical beauty . I am so lucky to have been given my grandmothers cast iron and kitchen knifes. Your very informative and passionate videos were found and enjoyed beyond belief. Next stop Facebook Cast Iron collectors page.

[@SilenceSeven]

Great video. Giving the history behind the pieces, whether it was your history with the piece, or the companies history was a great touch. Two Thumbs Up!

[@debmellentine5254]

Thank you for sharing your collection and the history it represents.

[@BrianGay57]

Nice collection! As a fellow cast iron fan, I would ramble on about mine but no one I know personally cares and would be bored senseless. Your ramblings on the other hand are far more informative than mine would be, and you have an audience of fellow cast iron geeks like me who can listen to folks “cast iron ramblings” for hours! You’re one of the best (my personal favorite) KZbin channels dedicated to the subject. It may not be a huge pond, but you’re the biggest fish in it just the same!

[@shipstern100]

Love talking about cast iron. Very informative 20 minutes. I've learned so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@ttowntrekker5174]

I LOVE Your Cast Iron video's! They are the absolute BEST on the internet anywhere.

[@johnsholl698]

Thank you for sharing. My collection is growing. I never thought to make rice in cast iron but I’ll be doing it soon!

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

I believe that you are the most knowledgeable cast iron enthusiast on the internet. Watching other videos from other cast iron folks just leaves me wanting your correct information!

[@castironchaos]

I'm no expert, and have been chastised (and worse) quite a few times for it. But thank you for the kind words. Cast iron seasoning and identification videos have suddenly showed up by the dozen on KZbin videos, meaning we've got a real fad in progress here. :)

[@mrsseasea]

This is what I love about "collecting" and using cast iron cookware.........stories behind every Piece! , with 6 kiddos........there will be even more stories to come.....

[@BulletproofPastor]

Your videos are very well done and get right to the information I've been looking for. After viewing several videos on identifying vintage cast iron, I found yours to be most helpful. It turns out we have a Griswold, several early Wagoners, and a 1967 BSR corn bread pan just like yours. Thanks for your great work and good video content.

[@TRACKtoU]

Thank you so much for your sharing of collection and time. I love every one of them...there is nothing like them for cooking and baking...

[@alang1909]

Very interesting video. I learned more from this than most any other youtube on how to identify cast iron. Really appreciate the details about the personal reasons you value some of your pieces. My first piece was used for years on our annual camping trip to the mountains with family and close friends. It means the world to me. Thanks for making this, would like to see an update on pieces added since you made this one.

[@BaronessFredericks]

Wow! I saw the video with that great big Cast Iron Cauldron. Amazing!

[@Springermom2]

What a treat to go through your collection with you! I’ve only begun to learn of the wonders of cast iron and although I doubt I’ll ever find any of the treasures you have, even my new pieces are a joy to use.

[@lisanowakow3688]

I’ve watched this more than once, thank you for sharing your collection!

[@hoyfr]

Very congrats on such a fine collection of vintage and modern iron ware.

[@shadaj]

I thoroughly enjoyed viewing your collection. This video was very interesting and informative. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@RBTrujillo1]

Very interesting video! I love the information you bring forth in this arena of cookware! I am officially a novice and after watching your videos, I plan to embark on a collecting journey as you did. I've seen your two videos (that I know of) and find you extremely knowledgeable. I hope that you plan on some more videos! Thank you so much!

[@rodneyparks6489]

That 20 minutes flew by . I enjoyed your video very much so . Thank you very much.

[@oliveenowen2659]

Thank you really enjoyed your videos. Grow up using cast iron pots going back to them. Much blessings

[@CastIronBBQ]

Always good to see a nice cast iron collection, thanks for sharing it.

[@rogermunoz1314]

Thank you for sharing your collection with us all. My parents passed away not too long ago and I found myself having to learn to cook. It was then that I found old iron cast skillets. They were old abused and some were rusted. Yet, I remember seeing my loved ones in the kitchen as a child with that gusto of a smile. I just couldn't through them out. I've learned to clean them re-cure them and take good care of them. I just wish I could of cooked with my loved ones.

[@josephleight1305]

Amazing and Truly inspiring to me. I was fascinated all the way through your exposition. In the past i have avoided yard sales and flea markets because i didn't have a focus except for vinyl LPs, most of which i already have, or are not worth buying. Now i have new items to keep my eyes open for. I especially like the idea of rehabbing rusted treasures, and giving cast iron as gifts. Valuable and functional heirlooms. Thanks & Blessings.

[@TheLmori3]

Great collection. I watched it til the end so must have castironitis as well. Video confirmed that my fave skillet is indeed an old antique Lodge just like yours. Thanks again

[@1Toffeey]

Well done Video. Loved seeing the collection with the history. Thanks

[@enyaw1948]

GREAT VIDEO ! Time for me to get out my rusting pan collection, clean them up and get back into some great cooking. Thanks for bring back great memories .

[@Whodaleewho]

Fantastic collection, sure do have a lot of interesting pieces! I really enjoy your baked bean recipe and it has become a regular and a favorite in my house. Thanks for posting! Cheers from Northern California.

[@dadscastironcooking4048]

thank you for sharing your collection of cast iron and I greatly enjoyed every minute of it.

[@toddwinters8016]

Have watched a few of your videos now and very much enjoy your quality footage and commentary... Now have subscribed. Cheers

[@martinadejaquiz2482]

pretty darn good! watched it again! thank you!

[@nooneknows4273]

What an unbelievable collection......thank you

[@lavonneschultz2561]

Love the rock river type counter It looks like the real thing-- beautiful! I find that keeping my heavy cast iron needs a lot of storage support strength.! Helper handles are great, especially like the newer two handle sizes weight distribution making them much easier to use than one handle!

[@larrywalker3137]

Many of us have the love for cast iron I was very serious about it 20 years ago but I don't do much of it anymore but I stuck to the griswolds stuff I find your videos very interesting. and how to identify a lot of the unmarked stuff thank you for your videos

[@eileenfb1948]

Thank you, yes it was interesting. I love cast iron pans too. I have a modern set of Crusette and love them.

[@TheGozman100]

Extremely informative video I extremely enjoyed it!!! Keep up the excellent work.

[@candacespaur8478]

A great collection and your knowledge is priceless. I've wanted a wok and after this video I'm most likely going to acquire one.

[@witchdr999]

Out Standing, THANK YOU! A previous upload, you Featured an 1750 plus type Dutch Oven in your collection. I captured one in the wild in a thrift store in Union County, Florida. Possibly by description, a 1750 or before! Inside well preserved with pork grease jell, out side, a bit rough, but very usable. At this point in time no attempt shall be made to restore or clean the find!

[@yarekim5932]

Really great and interesting vids . I happened to watch the first time after I had to re-season my old no name #8 Lodge 3 notch . Bought a Vallroth 9 . Very nice collection .

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

well done, nice collection. I found two hanging skillets on the side of the road the other day. I didn't know what they were so I watch your videos to find out. They are in need of a clean up, but I am going camping with my Grand Kids next week, so I am going to put them to use....

[@kurtjohnson6464]

Thank you for sharing. I was lucky enough to be a "scrapper" when my neighbors cleaned out their parents house upon their passing and ended up with 9 frying pans of various sizes and makes, a fryer and a round griddle. Thanks to your videos I have identified most of them with two exceptions. Both are marked 10, the fry pan on the top of the handle with a small "A" on the bottom 6:00, has what looks like the lodge style handle but no notches in the heat ring, wider pour spouts and the griddle (possibly a handled cover for a wood stove eye) has a 10 on the bottom. Both are raised numbers not recessed. You or Anyone watching you video that might have info, I would be great appreciative. I am not a collector...yet...but love the cast.

[@myema5694]

I lhave the same cast iron wok and love it! Really enjoyed your video & your collection is remarkable. I especially like the old lid stamped with Chattanooga...I live in Chattanooga and thus far have never seen that piece for sale anywhere. I am a little embarrassed to admit I've never been to the Lodge factory store since it's only about 25 miles down the road. I've also only been to the Cornbread Festival once and that was many years ago. Now that my kids are grown I don't have any excuse so I'm going to get busy and take care of that situation. I'll give you a holler if I see you there.

[@mrsmagandelatour]

I am in envious love your rambling

[@GuapoDad]

Cool video. Learned a lot. Just started my humble collection. Couple of Lodge, t-fal, and Cabela’s. Cheers!

[@TMan4775]

Awesome video, loved every minute of it.

[@kathleenoliver5461]

Okay, I must have the "bug". My "collection" started with a few pieces I inherited and it has now grown thanks in part to discovering a Wagner #10 at a thrift store for $4.00. I am a bit surprised that thru the many cast iron videos I have watched on KZbin no one mentions the Favorite Piqua...1916-1935. Every bit as good a Griswold! Lastly, I am reaching out to anyone that might know what size skillet a Wagner Ware #1081 skillet basting lid fits. Acquired in a decent package of skillets for reasonable price off Ebay. Great video and Yes, I watched until the end for all of the knowledge you share.

[@michaelsawdey2949]

I think a number 8 skillet

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

very nice collection there..I have a few pieces myself my fave is a very heavy asian 12" pan cooks much more even then my 19th century cookware :)

[@jackjohnson2437]

awesome video! thank you for sharing your knowledge on cast iron I also enjoyed the other cast iron videos

[@libbybaker6890]

Thank you! I am going to have to go through all of my cast iron pans and pots, lids and odd balls now, with newly-gained insight, and see what it is I own. I have about 35, maybe a few more, pieces. I just enjoy them so much, and can't stand to see one laying all dismally rusted and neglected in a pile of junk. Now I'm inspired to see just what era and manufacturer each piece comes from! I do know I have several griswalds, and a huge Lodge pot with feet, but I also have some that I can now recognize as 19th century and maybe one or two of the Mountain ones, as well.

[@RobPainless]

Terrific tour of your cast iron!

[@mishagray2835]

I love your videos keep them coming please.

[@wishitwassunny]

wonderful collection of cast iron you have. I am just starting my collection. Better late than never

[@paulscarpone6689]

Love you videos very informative thank you. I make it through every one of your videos. You're very knowledgeable on cast iron you got some cool ones I'm just starting out thanks

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

Passion is always interesting! Wonderful.

[@briarrose5208]

Hi, great video! I have a lifelong case of cast ironitis! Also envy. I'm lusting after your BSR SPIDER! I've never used any other kind of skillet more than once. I did find at one point that I had too much cast iron. I live in a humid climate and they rust if not used regularly. So I consigned my surplus. My keepers: a Griswold #10 that I bought around 1969, a BSR #10, a no-name mystery Dutch oven whose lid perfectly fits #10 Griswold, a #5 BSR that I found in the town dump when I was in college, and another no-name #5 left behind by a tenant. Oh, and my grndma's early Griswold griddle.

[@bustabass9025]

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's cast iron. 🙄 (1 Skillet 1:1)

[@savannahv1808]

Loved the video! So much to learn!

[@TwisTr71]

Along with your video on identifying cast iron pans and Culinary Fanatic's CI vids, I have learned a tremendous amount about CI. Thank you so much! Today was my very first hunt but, armed with my newly acquired knowledge I scored some very nice finds, including a 5N BSR that I knew was a BSR but after watching your Identifying video again, learned that it's a Red Mountain series.

[@castironchaos]

Sounds like you made a good score!

[@TwisTr71]

YES!! So far I have already found a Red Mountain DO #8 with lid, RM #5 skillet, 2 #6 Griswold SK(one small, one large block), a #3 Volrath SK, a few #8 SK's(a Century BSR, unmarked Wagner and one I can't identify, has heat ring on the outer edge and an 11 going across the ridge underneath the handle) along with some more pieces I won't bore you by listing...thank you for your knowledge, sir

[@Downzig]

Love the video..I'm hooked toooooo..just started collecting cast iron..only have 6 skillets and and cornbread pan and a sportsman grill Birmingham stove and range...and much more cast iron to come..Hahaha..thank you...so much

[@chuckmiller5763]

I doubt we see eye to eye on much in life, but we sure do agree on cast iron. Love your videos.

[@craiginbatonrouge8161]

Thanks so much for sharing your collection, I will refer back to your vids for any question i have when I inspect my own cast iron, again thank you.....

[@mishagray2835]

I love the BSR pan from 1967, I too am a 1967 baby. I would love to have one of those.

[@sethatkinson7103]

Those BSR Sportsman fryers are great. I've got a BSR Pat Pending cornbread pan also that was my Grandmothers.

[@CastIronCooking]

I love your intro buddy! I also have a new liking for your cornbread pan. I was also born in 1967.

[@ccthepope]

I enjoyed seeing your collection

[@ml.2770]

I use my 15 gallon cauldron for spells and potions mostly. The occasional large soup for family get togethers.

[@moocowdad]

What a great collection! I got into cast iron a few years ago when I first started following you(was looking for recipes) and I was hooked, started buying some Lodge then got ahold of a griswold..but..I regret, years ago, back in 1979, my(late) mother got into the non stick pan thing, and gave me all of her cast iron, some were from the mid 40's when she got married some were from her parents farmhouse(that had a wood cookstove) on Prince Edward Island, from early 1900's and perhaps earlier.I never used them or even looked at them as back then noone used cast iron, I dont remember any of the makes but one it had GSW on the bottom, and I threw them out. :( anyway cheers-Dave

[@castironchaos]

+Moo Cow Many of us do things like that, only to regret it later on. Best thing to do is just re-build your collection, which you're already doing.

[@CarterWHern]

Excellent!

[@conniebrister7229]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who thinks you can never own too many cast iron pans. I got my first cast iron skillet when I got married. My mom gave it to me and she got it from my grandmother. My egg pan (that's what I call it) has no markings on it, so I have no idea who or where it was made. But my greatest fear is when I die my kids will give them to Goodwill. Thanks for the video.

[@SuperStormyNormy]

Great video, wish you would do more cooking videos.

[@westmeathguy]

Nice going! Great video! I'm just starting out in cast iron...oh, oh...

[@MonoLake02]

Wow ! What is it about cast iron ? I got a camp oven as a gift, and now I have at least 10 pans. I just got a 10 inch Finex with lid for Christmas too. I really enjoy your vids, thanks...

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

Very well done..very informant video...thank you..

[@444dorsey444]

Wow! That 15 Gal cauldron is amazing!

[@ShaunPanzer]

I love your vids ! Thank you !

[@rideswithscissors]

That is a great collection. The cauldron looks awesome, you could definitely brew up some magic potions in that thing.

[@macnutz4206]

This great. Many folks love their cast iron and you have a beautiful collection of desirable things for a lover of cast iron. One problem with cast iron, especially big pieces, is that it does not fit a nomadic life style.

[@CatskillsGrrl]

I love all your videos. Peace, Gail

[@sissiemae845]

AWESOME!!!!! Thank you for sharing

[@BravingTheOutDoors]

I understand wanting to collect. I have a collection of chess books. I can also appreciate that for some it's an art form they enjoy spreading in their house like statutes. I also think many of these items are indeed useful for different situations and if you have the space "why the hell not". I can also appreciate the enjoyment in "the hunt". That said (and you heard me saying it before, both here and at the facebook group) I just don't see a point in having similar items and/or "too many". In the end owning 200+ like Jeff where you have 20+ of the very same thing will only mean that you will not be using them and the bottom line is that what makes for good cast iron is not the brand or (to a degree) even the thickness. In the end is the usage that turns your pan to a work horse. It makes much more sense to me to have one brilliant piece (even if you had to pay for it dearly) and use it daily. You might think I'm joking but I have 4 pieces and I honestly considered getting rid of one or two. There is nothing I can do with a 10" that I can't with a 12" so why keep it? Might as well keep that 12" on the stove top and just use it all the time. Keeps it tip top. And as for enamelled (which I would still argue isn't "technically" CI) once I bought a Le Creuset I finally understood what real quality is. plus, the 28cm (6qt) is brilliant because the lid fits perfectly on a 12" skillet so it all comes together. The bottom line is that unless you have a large family your real "daily user" will be limited. Jeff, with his mighty collection, still only uses 3 pieces regularly, the rest are either unusable or not in use anyway. That's just my perspective of it. I did enjoy the video.

[@johnshipley7413]

Another great video.....thanks! I too am learning the ins and out of ebay....sometimes the hard way. Perhaps you could do a video on where and how you buy C I.....

[@paulscarpone6689]

Good video very informative and your hobby is my hobby don't know why but I love cast iron don't even know how I got into it just so he's love the history behind. Enjoy those pots and pans and skillets of cast iron. By the way this is cast iron connection. Well that's my site

[@samducharme4863]

Your 4 year old vid is still getting attention! I would like to know your thoughts on your "Pizza Pan," the one you got on Valentine's day. I have, and use, one just like it. It's my only piece and I love cooking with it. Thanks in advance.

[@Lamosteve]

nice collection !

[@johndifrancisco3642]

Great collection! I go threw burst with building up mine and I am in one now and can use some advice. I can't seem to find much information on a Griswold #8 chrome/nickle skillet with a large block logoand no heat ring. What I would really like to know if is it safe to cook in? I remember hearing back in the day they used Mercury in Chrome and I do not know anything about Nickle. I do not know how to season it, am afraid to clean it, afraid to use it and yet I love it! I actually bought it be mistake on yes, eBay and in the description it just had the model # (?) 704c. That was the only inkling that it was chrome (I guess) because the pictures looked as if it was black! I have been subscribed for about 10 years and think you are one of the most knowledgeable castaholics out there:) You are very concise and well spoken by the way. I do not think I saw you do a video on this type of pan. I am hoping you can shed some light on me. Thank you, John.

[@rickilynnwolfe8357]

You didn't ramble on I thought it was very informative .I love your videos .thanks for sharring God Bless 🙏💜

[@our3acrehomestead]

I got my large red Le Creuset roaster with lid for even cheaper than yours- it was free. We were taking trash to a dumpster and I saw it sitting on top of a trash bag in the dumpster. No scratches, no chips, was in perfect condition.

[@castironchaos]

And that's definitely a score!

[@BloodEagle1583]

Very interesting. Thanks !

[@keithbrookshire]

Thanks for sharing your collection and your knowledge. You have some great pieces. I was able to meet you briefly at the National Cornbread Festival (2015). Will you be there again in 2016? Ever since discovering your videos I've been curious about your counter tops. They are beautiful. What material are they?

[@5mepo5]

I really enjoyed this video AWSOME Cast collection I've been collecting since August last year when a mate from work gave me an Rusty old unmarked 4 legged 9quart camp oven went onto KZbin and found out how to clean (came up great) Now I use electrolysis and at least 6 thin coats of seasoning , I've learner and am learning so much about cast iron and I love resorting and cooking with it I'm an Aussie so I do not get to buy any vintage USA cast at yard sales so eBay is my only avenue Last week I received my FIRST Griswold 3 piece No 7 Pat 1908 Waffle iron which I will begin to restore this weekend I've also learnt a bit more historical manufacturing foundry information from your first video of your I watched about identifying Old Cast Iron Pans In the last 12 months I've restored quite a few pieces and so far have used just about all of them. Just recently started a cast iron cooking with MEPO5 on KZbin It will be great when my US vintage collection grows a bit!

[@WookieLove1]

Mr Chaos, Thank you very much for taking the time to arrange and post this video. It is very well put together and I enjoyed it so very much. Can you provide a little more info on the Griswold 718, please? I just purchased one and I intend to use it. However, I'm concerned about the lack of weight and don't want to damage it! Any help or info is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Wookie

[@favr8son62]

I noticed that you didn't have any "combo" cookware pieces in your collection. You told me about a piece I found recently probably being the lid to one. No Aebleskiver pan either, I guess the video is about 6 months old..maybe your collections is bigger now. I still have quite a ways to go for an actual collection, but I am really enjoying learning about it. Your videos are very good. Thanks for taking the time to make them. I can see it is a labour of love!

[@castironchaos]

+Mike Lawson Well, I also don't have a waffle iron. My skills are actually quite limited, and I've never had the opportunity to make aebelskiver or waffles from scratch. :)

[@rubixmania100]

Thank you for sharing your collection. I have learned a lot from you and have found that I have some special skillets in my collection. I am afraid the cast iron bug has bitten me as well. I have three dutch ovens, all new but well used. Two size 12 qt. one tall ise and one short sided and one more 14 quart that I don't know who made. they all have feet for cook outs as I'm an avid camper. With my dutch ovens I have helped my church win a lot of Chili Blaze trophies, a fact of which I am very proud. Keep up the tutorieals. BTW, I like The Culinary Fanatic as well. I used his videos to refinish my cookware as some of the skillets were not in the best of shape.

[@castironchaos]

Awesome! That's one reason why everyone should own at least one really big iron pot.

[@rubixmania100]

Yes, I was a Cub master and always cooked for my boys. I also have a lodge 17 " skillet for those pancake mornings.

[@JTrahanUSA]

I love your videos

[@bonniehawkins4677]

love your videos, I have a cast iron dutch oven marked with a number 15 on the lid, a flat bottom no feet, X949 on the bottom of the lid? no marking at all on the pot itself. measures a true 15 inches across, and 6 inches high, very heavy! very rusted as I found it at a old abandoned log cabin that was falling down. No cracks, slowly trying to restore, coming along. any ideas on who made it and when and any value would be appreciated.

[@MrShawnphilip]

Thanks for sharing.

[@GaryBoyd02]

Excellent

[@sthompson4049]

sir, you nailed it