Griswold #11 Griddle

[wcm8264]

Just picked up an unused #11 long griddle, 1958 model.  I plan to use, not collect, but wondering what I'm giving up over an Erie.  Should I keep looking?

[Steve_Stephens]

Hi Bill and welcome to us bunch of old (and young) iron cookware nuts.
When you say 1958 model is that the pattern number cast on the bottom of the griddle or the year?  If the year how do you know?  The Griswold foundry closed in Dec. 1957 but had been bought by the owners of Wagner so production moved to Sidney O.

When you say you are looking for an ERIE No.11 griddle, do you mean one marked only "ERIE" or one made in Erie, PA?  I do know there is a No.11 "GRISWOLD'S ERIE" long griddle but No.10 may be the largest size of ERIE long griddle made.  If there is a No.11 ERIE it would be very hard to find and rare I would think as I don't recall ever seeing one.  But I've seen the GRISWOLD'S ERIE which was made right after the ERIE pieces but only for a very short time.

Steve

[wcm8264]

Thanks, Steve.  Obviously there is alot here I don't know.  The original box was stamped 1958, and indicated it was produced in Sidney (don't ask what happened to the box...).  Cast in the bottom is:
11
Cast Iron
Griddle
the small Griswold TM
USA
911
A
I'm ok with this griddle, but was curious about its quality compared to earlier production in Erie, PA.  While I want it for use, I'm always interested in the best available.  Actually, I'm happy with my new Lodge except it's somewhat smaller.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Bill

[Steve_Stephens]

Bill,
Erie produced pieces tend to be of a better quality than the Sidney made ones after 1957.  Your pan has a pattern number which is not common for Sidney pieces to have.  But NO "Erie, PA" on the bottom should indicate a Sidney made piece with your pan.  If you are looking for "the best" you may have to just keep looking and make a purchase when you meet that great one.
Steve

[wcm8264]

Steve:
Does the uncommon pattern number mean much on a Sidney piece?  It's a good looking griddle, just lacks that "Erie, PA" on the bottom.  What differences will I notice during use between a Sidney and an Erie, PA piece, if any?  In any event, I won't stop looking....  Oh ya, is seasoning in use ok (given that the #11 is too large for most ovens and BBQ's)?  
Thanks, Bill

[moosejaw]

Some of us prefer Wagner and some prefer Griswold.  I think the older Wagner pieces are just as nice as the Griswolds.  The important thing is that YOU like it.  I have pieces made by Wagner and Griswold.  I am not as fussy about my users, so as long as it is well cast, I don't care who made it.  

As far as seasoning this beast, after it is cleaned, I would warm it on the stove, coat it with Crisco, front and back, then wipe all the Crisco off.  It will leave a fine coating, and then you can use it.  It will season more with use.  

[Steve_Stephens]

911 is the pattern number for the late style No.11 long griddle.  Perhaps when Wagner took over some of the Griswold patterns they removed the ERIE, PA but not the pattern number.  I see so few of these huge griddles that I can't really say much more.  Yes, seasoning in use will be fine.  No difference in use between a Griswold and Wagner made piece until you get into the 1970's and later which is when the quality seems to have dropped off more.
Steve