The value of antique cast iron skillets can start at similar to new prices, but a super rare Wagner or Griswold can fetch up to $1,500 apiece. A mint condition, super rare "spider skillet" made in the 1890s by Griswold is worth up to $8,000.
Cast Iron – $0.02-0.35 per lb.
Ferrous metals, such as steel and cast iron, generally fetch lower prices at the scrapyard due to iron being so common and difficult to refine. Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, are less common, more malleable and greatly resistant to corrosion.
The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman says some collectors will pay a heavy price for your old pans. One of the most surprising valuables around your home may be cast-iron cookware. Worth from $15 to $1,500, this is stuff you rarely want to sell at a yard sale.
Thanks to their durability, any used cast iron pan you can find is going to be more worthwhile than a new one — and I'm not talking about collectable Griswold and Wagner pans, either. Here's why you should (almost) never buy a cast iron skillet new and why the hunt for a perfect-for you-pan is really worth it.
Condition. When considering the value of vintage iron, the condition is key. Mint, like-new condition is ideal and is the most valuable. Rusted pans may be less valuable, but they can still be restored to their former glory and retain some value.
Cast iron is totally recyclable. Since iron is the main component of steel, you should refrain from throwing it away. Your used cast iron appliances can be melted down and crafted into something brand new, and you can even get money for it!
The global cast iron cookware market size was estimated at USD 5.08 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Wapak cast iron might be lesser known compared to the Griswold and Wagner brands, but it is just as collectible. The most sought after Wapak cast iron are the pans with the “Indian head" medallion on them, which was produced from 1903-1926. The rarest and most collectible is the #4 skillet--until recently.
What is the range of iron scrap prices? Today, iron prices sit in a range trending around $. 04 per pound or $92 per ton.
Scrap metals we accept for recycling
All grades of iron are accepted, including rolled steel joists, heavy iron, and light iron; shredded and purified for reuse. Commonly found in containers and appliances, as well as industrial machinery, we'll take all grades of cast iron.
It's scrap value is negligible but folks in the know prefer antique cast iron to buying new. Cast iron is made by pouring molten iron into a sand mold. After cooling, the sand is broken away, it's cleaned, de-burred, and coated in oil so it won't oxidize in shipping.
Alternative Solutions to Hiring a Junk Removal Company to Remove Your Appliance. Scrap yards pay varying amounts for appliances based on current metal pricing, the appliances size, weight, and condition. Typical payouts for appliances like washing machines, stoves, and dishwashers range from about $10 – $50.
Robert says a quick way to determine if the pan is early or pre-20th century is to look for a gate mark on the bottom side. “A gate mark looks like a slash and was a by-product of older iron casting methods,” he explains.
As a customer and avid vintage cookware enthusiast, I can confirm there's definitely a market for vintage cast-iron skillets and pots. Several reasons underlie the recent surge in their demand and subsequently their selling. First, there's a profound appreciation for the superior quality of vintage cast iron.
Field sizing is based on vintage cast iron conventions, so our No. 8 size means a 10 ¼" width, edge-to-edge. Dimensions: 10 ¼" diameter.
Selling old cast iron items can be a profitable venture, whether you're dealing with antique cookware, radiators, or scrap metal. These items often hold significant value due to their durability and historical appeal.
The two collector's groups—the Griswold and Cast Iron Cookware Association and the Wagner and Griswold Society—can be great resources. Both groups have active Facebook pages. Many Facebook groups out there contain information on buying, selling, and identifying vintage cast iron pieces.
The best chance of ensuring your cookware doesn't end up in the trash is to head to a local scrap yard. "Metal dealers are often receptive to dropoffs, and if you can cut out the recycling center, they'll accept the pieces they can actually use from you," Hoover says.
If you have a cast iron sink or tub, it may very well be worth scrapping, especially if you can't find some way of selling it to someone else.
Cracks also harbor bacteria because they're more difficult to clean. Cooking with cracked cast iron pans increases the risk of bacteria and iron particles leaching into your food. Rather than take that risk, replace your pans when they start cracking.