RARE Griswold Cast Iron Pieces Update & a Major Dud!

[@dorianchriste8645]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful. I had a tall base griswald waffler, and a large collection of ironware; loved, daily used, and cared for. The ironware filled a double door base cabinet in my old kitchen. I have no idea the dollar value, didn't care. Used and loved. After recovering from a hospital stay for an illness, yeah, you guessed it. My former spouse and family sold the ironware for scrap metal. Also the furniture, dishes and books. Nothing new, everything very old and well kept. Even my grandparents' vintage craftsman furniture went to "junk clearers" for a few fast dollars. Miss that wafflemaker the most. Grandma made the best wood stove waffles. Taught me how to do the same on a gas stove. Thanks for showing your griswald iron. It brought back great memories. I would love to see the process of recovering ironware from rusty-crusty to what you showed us. You definitely have the process down to an art. It makes me cringe to see videos of so called collectors using wire weels on power grinders, out to make a fast dollar on vintage iron. The damage to that cast surface is just lazy/greedy. Some pieces survive multiple lifetimes just to end up in the hands of the incompetent. Maybe I could find a few pieces to use and enjoy again.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Dorian for your story and your kind words. That's too bad your ex and family "stole" the cast iron and scrapped it. Very inconsiderate thing to do in my opinion but you know that already. The thing that sucks about it was that it had sentimental value to you and there is no price tag one can put on that. I hope you do find some of those pieces that were taken, so you can bring them back to life. If you want to see some of my restorative efforts, please check out my cast iron play list. I have done it all including putting a wire wheel to some of my iron, but that iron was for me to keep and I needed a smooth surface to cook on. I would never do it to a truly collectible piece that I may someday pass to my kids or sell. Anyway, I think you will see anything you want to know on my video list. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck to you!

[@dorianchriste8645]

@@ladylibertystacker2014 Thank you for your kind words. What bothered me most about the loss was it was sold to a metal scrap place. My hope is that someone there recognized that "scrap" as collectible, useful and valuable. And rescued it from the scrapper. It would be good if someone has that ironware in use. Hoping to find a few useful old iron utensils to utilize in my kitchen. The adventure of such a hunt gives me hope.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

It's good that you see the bright side of the situation and see hope. It is fruitless if we don't have that! :-)

[@dorianchriste8645]

@@ladylibertystacker2014 I agree. Seeing life in the right light makes happiness possible. The other direction doesn't work for me.

[@mikelund6128]

I think they call that a ghost Erie. Or Griswold . That’s when a company recast their pans with an old Erie cast.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

I do believe that is correct. Thanks for chiming in!

[@Mosparx78]

Well-Bought on the Erie!!! You did a great job restoring it as well! I picked up a National and a Wapak this past summer ($7 combined!) that have similar handle styles, and are very thin and lightweight. They are an absolute delight to cook with! Keep up the good work, LLS! 👍

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Mosparx78! After your excellent review of these lightweight vintage skillets, you are making it difficult for me to part with this Erie. I will be on the hunt for another one to restore, then I would feel inclined to sell. I certainly would like to try it. :-)

[@nunyabizness199]

Very nice ! I found a #9 nickel plated "ERIE" a while back at the Goodwill in with the cheap stainless stuff. Have you ever seen one like that ?

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

I have never seen a plated ERIE! I didn't know they did that back in the late 1800s - early 1900s. Plating was only done up until WWII, then they needed the metals for the war effort and then it fell out of favor. Anyway, thanks for watching - much appreciated!

[@maryellenthompson8261]

You’ve got some nice cookware there. I think I would keep that Erie No. 8. I would love to find one of those but so far, my cast iron source is EBay.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Mary Ellen! The more I think about it, the less inclined I am to sell that one. I could easily part with the dutch oven and the other two skillets, but not the ERIE! lol

[@Kelsmith2]

I know what that mark on the lid of the Dutch oven is. I also have an iron mountain #8 1036 Dutch oven with 1037 lid. But on mine, in the exact same spot where you have a mark, I have a raised 8. So either they filed off the 8 on the mold at the factory, or a previous owner removed it with a grinder at some point.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

That is interesting. I did end up selling this piece shortly after this video was made and only disclosed the mark (looked like a gouge on the lid) and it sold for decent money. So, I guess my question for you is your raised 8 was in the place of that gouged area on the lid? If I ever stumble across one again, it would be nice to know that I should be looking for a raised number of the size on the lid. Thanks!

[@TomokosEnterprize]

The resto's look great. Your system works great.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you! I think I have it down to a science! This includes giving them one last rub down after seasoning at 450 degrees once they have cooled so I can handle them. It is like I am polishing them! lol

[@jamestexas1290]

Just an fyi a Recast cast iron skillet will be larger than the normal size due to the person using a normal skillet to make a mold. looks like the # 4 that you have has been repaired , looks like brazing or weld in the bottom of the skillet. The erie on the bottom is older than the erie p.a usa. The #3 small logo is a pretty common , pretty good condition for a smooth bottom skillet.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Yes, it does appear this was a repaired recast from on old ERIE #4 skillet mold. That said, it still has turned out to be a great cooker, although the reason for the purchase was for research & learning. The fact that it turned into a cooker was icing on the cake. Thanks for watching!

[@jamestexas1290]

That ERIE star is in awesome condition great find.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Once I got it restored, I could NOT bear to sell it. It is still in my collection today and has never been used. I just love to look at it! lol 😊

[@sherriskarvan1483]

I enjoy watching you videos. I am not a collector but vearing towards cast iron for health reasons. Have you posted you Lye bath techniques? I would like to try it. It looks like I have my Grandmother's 3G1 (probably right around 1930). I use it and her #8 (unknown) "chicken fryer" almost daily. I look forward to watching you make waffles and your next videos.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Sherri! I gave it a dry run this morning and I've discovered that the larger iron #9 vs a #8 takes longer to heat up and to cook through! I almost like my #8 Favorite Piqua Ware better, so I might keep that one and sell this one! They both work great, it's just a personal preference. I will make another batch for my viewers showcasing the #9 Griswold! I do have a cast iron play list and shows me restoring cast iron using lye. Feel free to browse that list, but nudge me if you can't find one!

[@noelcannon]

Would love to see you cook with the waffle iron

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thanks for letting me know. Once the holiday is over, I will try and do sometime in the next few days when hubby wants waffles! They are delicious! :-)

[@MikeJones-jr5hb]

Make waffles in it.😊👍

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

That, I plan to do. I will just record it so you guys can see! lol

[@poppiestuff]

👍

[@Calamiti999Fine]

I saw a waffle iron exactly like that underneath a stack of inventory in a dealer’s antique booth the other day. Didn’t have time to dig it out, but thought I might go back to check on it this weekend (I hesitated because I have NO idea how to clean/re-season someone else’s waffle iron).

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

I would definitely go back and see if it's still there! You apply the basic principals of restoring a regular skillet and reseasoning to the waffle iron and then you will have a wonderful antique cooker. You can watch my video on seasoning 3 skillets at once in the oven and that will get you started. For a waffle iron, you will need to melt your seasoning (I use Crisco) in a ramekin with a pastry brush to spread on the seasoning, then very carefully wipe it off with the blue shop lint free towels. You just want a nice thin layer each time to get the best consistency and results. Again, use the same techniques as seasoning skillets and you should get a good result.

[@Calamiti999Fine]

LadyLibertyStacker ok, you talked me into it. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the how-to info Lady.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

You are quite welcome. Good luck!

[@Calamiti999Fine]

LadyLibertyStacker went back to check on that griswold waffle iron....didn’t buy it because one end was completely off (the rotating end on both halves was missing). He still had it marked for $100....nope. Oh well maybe better luck next time.

[@RedneckHillbillyGnR]

So someone took a number 5 BS&R that looked like it was cracked and they welded it and ground it down and then tried to use a dremel and made a counterfeit Griswold #4. The ridge on the bottom of the handle and the inset heat ring along with the shape of the pour spouts are a dead giveaway. Definitely not a recast just a bad fake job to try and get it over on someone. Not sure if I would even cook with it not knowing what they used on it.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

That is certainly interesting. Looking at the handle and inset heat ring, it does appear to look like a BS&R. On the other hand, the pour spouts are more defined and larger like a Griswold. Whatever it is, looks like a homemade job and isn't a legit Griswold that's for sure. As you saw in a later video, I stripped it like I do with all of my cast iron and wire wheeled the whole thing to remove any impurities and to flatten and smooth out the surface. It actually makes a great cooker. Let's just say, it was a great learning experience for me and if I ever run into another, it will stay in the shop or booth!

[@stephensnazuk5735]

I'm in love with the BSR Red Mt. series No. 5! I would love to form a small Red Mt. series collection one day. I herd once that there were only three pans in the collection. 3, 5, and 7 or 8. Is this true?

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thanks Steve for watching. As to your question, I am not really sure about the original collection if there was any. The person to ask would be Steve over at Cast Iron Cookware channel and if anyone knows, it would be he. I did just happen to win an auction bid for 3 cast iron skillets. One is a #3 (I think) Taiwan skillet, but that isn't why I bid. There appear to be a #7 & #10 in the lot that could be BSR Red Mntn Series in good condition. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[@stephensnazuk5735]

@@ladylibertystacker2014 My fingers are crossed for you also. Keep up the great work and happy hunting. Steve and yourself have really inspired me to expand my collection. 15 personal peices to now over 30 and rising. My new favorite pan is the classic chicken fryer. Glass smooth surface with taller side walls. The Sidney -O- 1088 is the perfect pan ;)

[@jamestexas1290]

I have a #14 BSR great cooker

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

BS&Rs are fabulous cookers. I love my #8 Dutch Oven I picked up from an estate sale & restored. It makes great pork roasts!

[@torinbrown8196]

Even the did made me smile. I LOVE my cast iron cookware! LLS, where do you sell your irons?

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Torin! I love my cast iron too. The feeling I get after I've restored a piece is wonderful. I sell my pieces on eBay and Bonanza and will be posting to Etsy and other platforms in the future that permit me to sell vintage collectibles.

[@Toolmybass]

Hi LadyLiberty....if I can get a very good condition Erie #8 (with the small star) for $23.....is that a good deal?

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Oh, heck ya! Go for it. Restored in good condition these are going for $200-250 on eBay. I've got one myself, but can't convince myself to sell it! lol

[@carko2617]

How long does it take to preheat the waffle iron, I guess we will find out when you make your next waffles. As far as seasoning one - I'll take your word on how long and difficult it is, plus I'm pretty sure I'll never have one.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Good question! Because the paddles are what cooks the batter and they sit about an inch and a half above the stove burner, I give it about 8-10 minutes to heat, rotating the paddles every two minutes to get each one good and hot. Heat plus butter = non stick waffles! ;-) I think thus far people want to see me use it, not to season it! Much easier for me as well! lol Thanks for stopping by.

[@Banom7a]

for mine, it took 5 ish minute for each side, to see if its hot enough just sprinkle some water on the outside, if its sizzle and evaporate, that mean its ready to go.

[@darrellbster]

I have a Griswold number 6 waffle iron, I can't find anything on them.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

From what I can see, they are extremely hard to find and quite rare. Here is a link to get you started: www.castironcollector.com/waffle.php Just as a side note, all you need to do is to Google or DuckDuckGo Griswold #6 waffle iron and several sites come up. Good luck.

[@lloydedmonds8775]

Great Finds! My Antique Shops overcharge for everything...I’m not so lucky picking. I collect a lot of ERIE; that’s a very nice one. Love that ⭐️ makers mark! Makes it a unique find. I’m also a Waffle Iron fan and own 5-6, two being Griswolds like yours. I also have a glass top stove that my wife is picky about a smudge or scratch. I’m only lucky enough to use iron skillets on LoL NEVER a Waffle Iron....even when the grandkids come to stay. I always enjoy a Waffle making video. Soooo....toss one up👍🏼 BTW,,, any clue how I can get my “wife’s stove” to prematurely break down without obvious reasons 🤔😂

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Thank you Lloyd! I am really finding it tough to let go of that Erie skillet so soon! I also got lucky a while back and found a Griswold #10 large block slant logo ERIE PA that is quite a nice find too. I have never used it, but can't part with it either! It is nice to have a couple of rare pieces in one's collection! I gave the Griswold waffle iron a dry run today and find that it took quite a bit longer to heat up (14 minutes at slightly less than medium) than the #8 (about 10 minutes) due to the size. It makes great waffles once warmed up and nothing stuck. The cooking time is a bit longer on the #9 as well. Are all of your irons the same size, or do you have a larger one like mine? I am trying to decide whether to keep the #8 Favorite Piqua Ware or the #9 Griswold. I don't really have room at this point for both! As to your stove, I'll get back to ya on that! LOL Anyway, thanks for watching!

[@lloydedmonds8775]

LadyLibertyStacker Did you sell that ERIE or list it? I’d be interested in a link if you listed it...

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Lloyd Edmonds Not as of yet. I want to enjoy owning it, but at some point I will be ready to let it go. lol

[@boomshanka8743]

I have the same slant logo Griswold no. 9 waffle iron, it makes the best waffles! Make sure you get both sides hot and spray it well with coconut oil spray before you add batter. Are the no. 9s rarer than the other sizes?

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

@ boom shanks. Yes, the number 9s are rarer than the 8s for sure. I gave it a test run and noticed that it takes about 4 minutes longer to heat up than the #8 I used in a recent video and slightly longer to cook than the #8. That said the waffles are very good. I spray my paddles with cooking oil spray and that works very well for non stick waffles. I am going to make a video showing how it’s done for my viewers. Thanks for watching!

[@mykittenisagrandmaster4381]

Hola Miss LLS and everyone ♥️

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Hola Mr. Food Stamp!

[@oldcamper409]

Hi I have a pan identical to the Erie star skillet except no logo do you know anything about year of production or why no logo, I would appreciate any info you might know, thanks and you do have some nice cast iron.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

I didn't know that unmarked Erie pre Griswold skillets were made, but it's certainly possible. Here is a link to an article I found while researching this Erie shown in this video. Hope it helps. www.castironcollector.com/erie.php

[@silverstrike6048]

Okay, I know there was no food in this video but now I'm hungry again.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Cute LOL! Stay tuned because next week I will be making a how to make waffles video. ;-)

[@CaffeineBrittany]

I have a reddit account and I posted something about an Erie number 9 skillet that I had just purchased from a local seller that I’ve bought from in the past. It has a very high and raised sand shift..so high, that you’d think it was a gate mark. And since I know griswold doesn’t make their skillets with gate marks, I thought it was a fake lol so the commenters were very helpful. They told me that mine was a real one. They sent me links and examples of fakes or recasts. But I have an early Erie no9 with the same sand shift in the mold too. You should check out that reddit thread of mine. My reddit name is thebritsterz, I think it would help you a lot! Those guys know their stuff on reddit! Mine doesn’t sit flat though, it’s a major spinner but I think the sand shift has a lot to do with that. Luckily I use it on a gas cooker so it’s fine. But if I ever move to a place that has a glass top stove, I’d be screwed lol

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

I will definitely have to check that out! The information you posted was very interesting. I think if I ever found an Erie with a "gate mark" I too would think it was fake for the reasons you mentioned and pass it up without knowing more. Thanks for watching Britttany!

[@schairphoenix4059]

bet thats the only number F griswold

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

Could be! lol