Antique/consignment shops These stores usually have cast-iron, but the prices are high. Auctions Look over the inventory and determine how much you're willing to spend before the auction begins. Estate sales Look for entire collections of cast-iron. Facebook Marketplace This is a big resource for many Skilletheads.
The long lifespan of cast iron along with the growing demand for second-hand instead of new makes vintage cast iron a common find in the antique market. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the range of iron scrap prices? Today, iron prices sit in a range trending around $. 04 per pound or $92 per ton.
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.
Cast Iron Scrap Price as of 4/14/2021: $0.42/lb.
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. Fortunately, cookware is usually marked on the bottom with the name of the maker and the catalog or size number.
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.
It is making a huge comeback in kitchens nationwide, and chefs are creating new recipes and cookbooks in line with the trend. The reasons for the resurgence of this old-fashioned cooking tool vary from unexpected benefits to delicious inspirations. Looking for ideas of what to make in your cast iron cookware?
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.
Research the value of materials
For example, clawfoot and cast iron tubs are great sources of scrap metal and companies will potentially pay you more for your bathtub depending on the materials you have on hand.
2023: Globally, steel scrap prices have fluctuated from lows of around $350/ton at the beginning of the year to highs of nearly $550/ton in spring, leveling out to around $450/ton this autumn. That's a significant drop from 2022 highs above $700/ton.
Another related term of measurement is the gross ton or GT. Now this unit is also known in the steel industry as a “long” ton or an “imperial” ton. This term of measurement is used to measure steel scrap in the US and is equal to 2,240 pounds. Compared to a standard “short” ton, a gross ton is 12 percent larger.
Wrought Iron Can Be Worth the Money
Wrought iron value depends on the ferrous metal recycling policies in your locality and you should be able to sell your wrought iron for scrap no matter where you live. If you want to increase your house's value, consider adding wrought iron on your doors or fences.
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.
Scrap Mart Metals will pay good hard cash at top dollar for your cast iron cast offs, and you get them out of your way.
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.