Author Topic: Can Anyone tell me what this skillet is? (Read 4273 times)

Chance Riehl · « **on:** February 04, 2014, 11:08:48 AM »

Hello! So I bought this skillet for $10....it's rusty, but it was a Griswold (so I think...). Any ideas on what this might be? If it is a fake? Is it too Rusty to restore? If not, what do you think the best restoration method might be? Thanks for any help!

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2014, 11:17:34 AM »

I'm pretty sure it is a fake...but I'm not sure how to tell exactly. If it is indeed a fake, will it still cook well? or are they all-around terrible?

Tom Neitzel · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2014, 11:26:25 AM »

I cleanup up the images a bit, didn't delete any markings. Can't help with fake or not. It looks it will clean up. I would bet it is real though, but late in production.

Tom

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2014, 11:36:39 AM »

Thanks for the help Tom. How would you suggest cleaning it? Do you think this level of rust calls for the whole Lye bath thing or would a water/vinegar solution probably do the trick on the rust?

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2014, 12:48:10 PM »

A lye bath to remove old grease and oils first, and will help to make the rust accessible to the next step.

Then derusting with 50/50 vinegar and water, with checks every 30 minutes or so, or Electrolysis.

Lye will not remove rust.

It should clean up nicely, but you just never know the 'condition' of a piece until it is restored. (eg, possible pitting, hairline cracks, etc...)
:)

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2014, 01:09:00 PM »

Thanks for the info Cheryl. Any thoughts as to whether or not this skillet is legit or a fake?

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2014, 01:11:41 PM »

I would have no reason to suspect a fake.
More probably had a hard life.
Sometimes they can surprise you once they are all cleaned up.

What size is it? (can't read from the pic)

Ken Davis · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2014, 01:18:02 PM »

Looks like a No. 9.

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2014, 01:18:39 PM »

I believe it's a #12. it's hard to tell from the picture, but in person, you can make out the 1 and the 2

Jeff Friend · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2014, 07:01:48 PM »

It isn't a 12. The 12 has a tab opposite the handle. Your skillet appears to have the "late" handle and I believe all small TM 12s have the "early" handle. It is probably real and not a repro.

I think I agree with Ken. Looks like a 9.

Given the amount of rust, I would go straight to electrolysis and not fool around with vinegar. Lye will be a waste of time, too. Electrolysis will do it all, if you have the all of the pieces around to make a quick set-up.

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2014, 02:35:28 PM »

Thanks for all the advice. it definitely is a No. 9. Good Call :) Next question...The skillet seems significantly lighter than other cast irons skillets that I have. Again, does that point to a fake?

Cheryl Watson · « **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2014, 02:55:51 PM »

No, but would need pictures of the cleaned up skillet top and bottom to verify.
It just depends what other skillets you are comparing it to...
Same size skillets? Manufacturer? Age of the skillet you are comparing to, etc. :)

Ken Davis · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2014, 03:04:22 PM »

I'm anxious to see the cleaned-up version also. Including the underside of the handle.

Dwayne Henson · « **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2014, 10:23:08 PM »

Looks real to me. Like Cheryl said comparing skillets has a lot variables. If compared to a modern skillet that Griswold will feel much lighter. Looking forward to seeing it all cleaned up.

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #14 on:** April 06, 2014, 12:16:33 PM »

Ok here's the first step! I'm still skeptical...thoughts? Fake? Real? Age? Etc. it's cleaning up decently so far!

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2014, 12:18:56 PM »

Here's the top

Chris Stairs · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2014, 01:39:02 PM »

Hi Chance,

That is the real deal, and from the 1940's to 50's. The Griswold plant in Erie PA closed in 1957, so it is at least that old.
It will cook just as nice as any other collectable skillet, but they don't sell for as much as the earlier ones with the larger logos. Yours is a small logo, grooved handle.

Chris

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #17 on:** April 06, 2014, 04:42:10 PM »

Ok here it is after seasoning. Not sure that I did a very good job. I put too much oil the first time and it was sticky. So I stripped it and tried again. Hopefully it's ok! Cooked some awesome bacon.
Do they always start brown like this and then go black eventually? Thanks for all the help/advice

Claudia Killebrew · « **Reply #18 on:** April 06, 2014, 04:58:55 PM »

Yep. Once you get it down to bare metal the seasoning starts out as brownish. More coats and more use will make it a gorgeous black.

If you season again, just make sure you wipe off all the grease. You won't be able to do it, but try. :)

Chance Riehl · « **Reply #19 on:** April 06, 2014, 05:02:19 PM »

Should I season again at this point?

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Author Topic: Can Anyone tell me what this skillet is? (Read 4273 times)