What cast iron is worth money?

Author: Danielle Wuckert  |  Last update: Sunday, June 21, 2026

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.

How to tell vintage cast iron?

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.

How to find antique cast iron?

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.

Is there a market for old cast iron?

Lots containing vintage cast iron can often be found at estate or antique auctions. Large cast iron collections are often sold at auction, either by the owner's heirs or by a collector who has decided to "cash out".

Can you get money from 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!

Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Is cast iron worth any money?

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.

How much do you get for scrap cast iron?

Cast Iron – $0.02-0.35 per lb.

What makes cast iron valuable?

Common cast iron: Common cast iron pieces, like every day skillets, waffle irons, dutch ovens, etc... are usually more expensive for three reasons: 1. Age 2. Look 3. Availability.

Does cast iron have salvage value?

Cast Iron Scrap Price as of 4/14/2021: $0.42/lb.

Who buys old cast iron skillets?

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.

What does the number 8 mean on 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.

What are the oldest cast iron brands?

Lodge Cast Iron is the oldest and longest-running cast iron manufacturer in the United States.

How can you tell if something is cast iron or wrought iron?

Cast iron is harder, more brittle, and less malleable than wrought iron. It cannot be bent, stretched, or hammered into shape, since its weak tensile strength means that it will fracture before it bends or distorts.

What is a good cast iron brand?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $60. ...
  • Best Budget: SALE. ...
  • Best Enameled: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $220. ...
  • Best Splurge: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $135. ...
  • Best Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set at Amazon $100. ...
  • Most Versatile: ...
  • Best Grill Pan:

What cast iron is collectible?

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.

Is it worth scrapping 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.

How much is my cast iron worth?

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.

Why is Griswold cast iron so valuable?

Griswold's Reputation For Quality Ironware

And you can expect finely cast ironware with few imperfections on the cookware's interior and exterior. While a rough exterior does not affect the cooking experience, you'll be grateful for a smooth cooking surface free of casting bubbles often present on vintage pans.

Which is costly, iron or cast iron?

Which is costlier, iron or cast iron? Ans. Cast iron cookware is a bit more expensive than iron because of its longevity, retaining heat in addition to even carbon content in the material. In the cast iron vs iron, iron wins the cost factor.

Do scrap metal collectors take cast iron?

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.

How much is 1lb of iron worth?

What is the range of iron scrap prices? Today, iron prices sit in a range trending around $. 04 per pound or $92 per ton.

What does GT mean in scrap metal?

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.

Previous article
Why do top loaders use more water?
Next article
How often should air filter be changed?