No. 6 Gem Pan - Need Info Please

[Steve Lewis]

I purchased this No. 6 gem pan today thinking that it was a Griswold Variation 3. Now that I am home and calmed down a little, I'm not so sure. The "N" is different style font than what is shown on pg. 26 of the yellow book and it measures 12 3/8 x 7 3/8. The book says 13" x 7 1/2". It also says these were made for a long time. Were all variations identical in L x W? Or were there some variations along the way?  Griswold or not, I am going to happy to have this piece. Sold to me as a No. 6 CI Soap Mold at a good price! If anyone would like to share their thoughts, I will be happy to hear them.

[Cheryl Watson]

Steve, I am seeking expert advice on this.... will share what information I may receive. ;)

[Cheryl Watson]

Steve, while waiting, I have actually found some information. 
I would refer WAGS members to Vol.1-2 of the Newsletter (Casting Call) .pdfs. where this pan has been featured.  In 2004, it was debated whether Griswold or not.  This style lettering is considered large Serif style raised letters and numbers.

What I do not know, is whether there is more clear information or consensus in the intervening 10 years.

You may want to re-measure the pan at the widest, and longest spots to affirm your initial measurements.

PS Wags Members... I am finally doing a lot of Reading of all the back issues of the Casting Call, in hopes of providing a mini-index, so to speak!  :)

[Steve Lewis]

Cheryl,
I did re-measure, top-side, widest/longest points. Same thing. 12 3/8 x 7 3/8.
When I measured the width initially I became concerned when it was an 1/8" short of what the book called for. My first thought was reproduction from an original. But length being 5/8" short kind of shot that theory. Plus this is a well cast pan. It feels like a Griswold. Does that count toward anything?  :)

[Randy Eckstein]

Three months ago I would have agreed with you Steve, now not so much.  At our most recent WAGS convention I had what I thought was a #7 gem var. 2 which had this same large font for the No. X.  I purchased it under the presumption of it being Griswold but several collectors way more experienced that I indicated that while the construction and other aspects of the piece were similar to Griswold it is of an unknown maker. 

[Cheryl Watson]

I have consulted with the author of the Yellow book who has proffered the opinion that these pans are NOT Griswold. There is a series of pans marked with numbers with this lettering style, however there are no pans marked Griswold, or with a Griswold pattern number with this style lettering. He has seen several pans in this series, and they are excellent quality. 

His opinion would change if any marked Griswold product with this style lettering were to be shown to him.

So, the mystery (debate), shall continue...  :)

[Steve Lewis]

It's not the answer I wanted to hear, but is the answer I expected to hear. Especially after reading Randys post. This is just another example of how you need to pay VERY close attention to the details when making a purchase.
Thank you Cheryl, for going all the way to the top for the answer to my question. Also, please thank Mr. Haussler for his opinion.
I am going to clean/season it and try it out!