Cast Iron Research & Resources

Explore cookware history, identification, care, and the collector community. The pattern-number reference, historical reproduction lists, and GCICA newsletter archive require member sign-in. Other resources are available on their original sites.

GCICA resources

• Restoration & Care — Explore Griswold’s original care leaflet and links to cookware care resources.
• Cookware Makers: Past & Present — Meet Griswold, Wagner, Favorite, Wapak, and Lodge, then explore companies making new cookware today.
• Collecting and Identification — A practical starting guide to identifying a piece, with references and ways to ask questions.
• Legends in the Business — Collector stories by Mary Theisen, plus documented GCICA founders and charter members.
• Griswold Pattern Number Reference — Search 1,768 entries compiled by Lee Lasher (April 22, 2022). Read and search the reference on the website. Member sign-in is required.
• Historical reproduction lists — Items documented in the 1998 and 2008 GCICA handbooks by the Appraisals and Reproduction Committee. Member sign-in is required.
• GCICA newsletter archive — Past issues of the Griswold & Cast Iron Quarterly. Member sign-in is required.
• GCICA events — Conventions and chapter meetings where collectors exchange knowledge in person.
• Where to Buy Cast Iron — Vintage marketplaces, collector groups, direct links to new cookware makers, and a checklist for evaluating a piece.

Identification and history

• ERIE Skillets by Roy Meadows — A detailed study of ERIE skillet variations, published by the Wagner and Griswold Society.
• Cast Iron Collector’s News — Historical newsletter issues available through the WAGS forum.

Restoration & Care

From the archive: Griswold’s original care leaflet

How did Griswold tell its customers to care for their cookware? This two-page scan preserves an original How to Prepare and Care for Griswold “Pre-Seasoned” Cast Iron Cooking Ware leaflet from the Griswold Manufacturing Co. of Erie, Pennsylvania.

The illustrated front celebrates cast iron cooking; the reverse gives six instructions for preserving the factory seasoning, drying and storing cookware, caring for covers, and dealing with rust. It is a small piece of cookware history that connects the pans we collect with the kitchens where they were used.

View or download the original Griswold care leaflet (PDF, 2 pages)

Shared as historical manufacturer literature. For present-day care and restoration guidance, explore the resources below.

Care references and collector help

• Cast iron and aluminum care — WAGS guidance on cleaning and maintaining collectible cookware.
• GCICA Members and Friends group — Ask identification questions and share discoveries with collectors. Facebook sign-in and group approval may be required.
• Cast Iron Community — An active group for cast iron discussion, identification, and restoration. Selling and trading are not allowed in this group. Facebook sign-in and group approval may be required.

Facebook cast iron groups

These independent groups cover discussion, cooking, collecting, identification, and restoration. Facebook sign-in and group approval may be required.

Discussion and community

• Cast Iron Addicts (CIA)
• Cast Iron Connection Plus
• Cajun Cast Iron Collectors
• The Official Lodge Cast Iron Community
• Cast Iron Cookware
• Southeast Cast Iron & Carbon Steel Network
• Cast Iron King Group "The Original One"
• Cast Iron Friends: BSR & Lodge
• Cast Iron Enthusiasts

Cooking and recipes

• Cast Iron Supper Club
• Cast Iron Cookin’ BBQ’n w/ Recipes
• Cast Iron Campfire Cooking
• Cast Iron Waffle House
• Cast Iron Waffles ~ Pizzelles ~ KrumKakes ~ Novelties
• Cast Iron Skillet cooking/collecting

Collecting, makers, and identification

• Magnalite Community (Cleaning, Cooking, Collecting, etc.)
• Hammered Cast Ironware
• Lodge Commemorative and Advertising Cast Iron
• Bottom Gate Marked Cast Iron Cookware
• Martin Stove, Favorite, and CHF Cast Iron Collectors Forum
• How Much Is My Cast Iron Worth?
• Crescent Ozark/G.F. Filley/Excelsior Made in Missouri C.I. Enthusiasts
• Sperry Cast Iron Collectors
• Wagner and Griswold Society - BSR, Atlanta Stove, Lodge, Favorite, Wapak

Restoration

• Electrolysis Tank Builders

External resources are maintained by their publishers. GCICA will add its own research guides and indexes here as they are prepared.