O'Brien

[CPorter]

I found an Obrien #3 skillet today for 5 bucks and a #9 griswold waffle iron for 15, I saw on ebay an obrien #3 just sold for 51 dollars + shipping and the blue book says 75 to 95 on the iron. The iron doesnt have the base so I was wondering how much that subtracts from the value, how hard is it to find a matching base and how much I should pay for one. I have never heard of obrien so was surprised to see the value, I would like to know more about that company if anyone has some information on them.

 

[Steve Stephens]

It may be a bit hard to find the proper bases for your No.9 irons. No.8 irons are the common ones. You'll need a base with a pattern number of 318 or 319 (low and high bailed handle frames) or 329 or 330 (low and high side handle frames). I don't know what one would cost you but ask around on the iron cookware sites including Facebook, etc. You'll need only those pattern number frames to have the irons fit properly.

 

[CPorter]

Thanks, sounds like it may be easier to sell it as is and put the money toward one with a base. I'm also finding it difficult to find any information on the o'brien skillet, it's a very well made piece and the only one I have come across, I really would like to know when it was made if anyone has any ideas.

 

[Steve Stephens]

Doug may have some information about O'Brien here on his site but without doing a search I don't know where to find it. My guess would be your skillet was made in the 1920s or 30s. Although I have had a few O'Briens I don't know anything about the company.