Cast Iron Values

C

CRJones

New member
Is there a publication that can give one a general or approximate value of vintage cast iron cookware? Something that can provide a pricing range guide. Some people that have booths in flea markets think that if a piece has a Griswold logo it is worth a minimum of $45.00 regardless of its condition.
 
The values in the books, however, were applicable at the time of publication and haven't really been updated through later revisions. The books also do not account for condition, only stating the values given are for pieces in excellent condition. The books are still worth having in that they give good indications of rarity vs. commonness among sizes and marking variations. Completed recent eBay sales are a good indicator of prevailing values, but are skewed by those sales where the uninformed or the predatory seller found an uninformed buyer.
 
I have the blue Griswold book and just today ordered the red Wagner one but I did notice that the publications dates were several years ago and prices could change either up or down. I grew up with cast iron and have always liked it but I like quality cookware and don’t want to get burned or lose out on a good piece through price ignorance. I am not a dealer but friends want a good piece and I try to find one for them. I like finding quality workmanship to preserve and either keep it or find it a good home. Thank y'all for the information.
 
Another option is to ask here if a price seen on a particular piece is good or bad. If you are unable to determine for yourself via other reliable sources.
 
CRJones said:
Some people that have booths in flea markets think that if a piece has a Griswold logo it is worth a minimum of $45.00 regardless of its condition.
Click to expand...

I've seen both ends of this, people who think that anything with a brand on it is like black gold, and other people who just see a dirty, heavy skillet they picked up with a bunch of other junk.

Like they say "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." And I've picked up quite a few beauties at flea markets for cheap. I've also stopped, looked, and walked from mediocre pieces priced like gold. It's a crap shoot that favors patience, and perseverance. If you go once and everything is priced too high, don't be discouraged. Go again next week/month, time (I hope) is on your side and you will find black gold at workin' man prices.

I still overpay sometimes for pieces that I really want to complete a set, etc. But I've learned to wait for some of the normal stuff to come to me.
 
I'm lucky to have 2 flea markets in my area, both within 5 miles from my house. Every weekend can have something different or nothing at all. Prices can be all over the place. I've seen common Wagner Wares marked at $50-60, small logo Griswold for $75 but have also seen(bought) CHF hammered chicken fryer w/ lid for 15, Slant logo Gris 11 for 40.

The more iron you find and look at, the more comfortable you will be at determining prices. Go to the advanced search on ebay and search for sold auctions. You can also join some of the Facebook auction sites and watch what stuff is going for there.
 
I agree! It's a hit or miss when looking for cast iron. Have a Goodwill store that I frequent. Most of the time they have newer Lodge skillets prices way higher than Griswold skillets that were right next to them but very dirty. That always amuses me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top