Griswold | Dutch Oven | No. 8 | Erie | 1278 | Self Basting Lid

Griswold Manufacturing Co. | Erie, Pennsylvania | c. 1920s–1930s | SSC Museum Restoration

★ COMPLETE SET — DUTCH OVEN WITH MATCHING SELF-BASTING LID ★

Overview

This is a Griswold No. 8 Dutch Oven (pattern 1278) with its original Self Basting Lid — a complete matching set from Griswold's golden era of production. The Dutch oven features the iconic Griswold cross logo with "ERIE" marking, indicating production at the original Erie, Pennsylvania foundry. The self-basting lid with its concentric rings was designed to return condensation to the cooking food, creating moist, tender results.

Finding a Griswold Dutch oven with its matching original lid is increasingly rare — lids were often lost, damaged, or separated from their pots over decades of use. This complete set represents a significant find for both collectors and serious cooks who appreciate the superior engineering of vintage Griswold cookware.

This piece has been preserved to Steve's Seasoned Classics museum standards and documented as part of the permanent SSC archive.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Griswold Manufacturing Co. (Erie, Pennsylvania)

Item Type: Dutch Oven (Tite-Top style)

Size: No. 8

Pattern Number (Pot): 1278

Lid Type: Self Basting (pattern 1288)

Logo Style: Griswold Cross Logo with "ERIE" marking

Era: c. 1920s–1930s

Origin: Erie, Pennsylvania

Form/Features:

• Griswold cross-and-circle trademark

• "ERIE" foundry location marking

• Self-basting lid with concentric basting rings

• Bail handle (swing handle) for lifting

• Dual side handles

• Flat bottom (no wobble confirmed)

Measurements (Typical for No. 8 Dutch Oven)

• Top Rim Diameter: ~10 1/4" – 10 1/2"

• Depth: ~4" – 4 1/2"

• Capacity: ~5 quarts

• Weight (with lid): ~12–14 lbs

Historical Context

Griswold Manufacturing Company was founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1865 as the Selden-Griswold Manufacturing Company. By the 1920s and 1930s, Griswold had established itself as the premier American manufacturer of cast iron cookware, known for exceptional quality, lightweight construction, and smooth machined cooking surfaces.

The Dutch Oven Evolution: Griswold produced several styles of Dutch ovens throughout their history. The 1278 pattern represents the "Tite-Top" style — designed with a precisely fitted lid that sealed in moisture and heat. The "Tite-Top" name (sometimes written "Tight Top") referred to the close-fitting design that created superior cooking results compared to looser-fitting lids of the era.

Self-Basting Technology: The self-basting lid was a signature Griswold innovation. The underside of the lid features concentric raised rings that collect condensation as steam rises from cooking food. This moisture then drips back onto the food, continuously basting it without opening the pot. This technology was patented and heavily marketed by Griswold as superior to conventional flat lids.

The "ERIE" Marking: Pieces marked "ERIE" (with or without "PA" or "PA, U.S.A.") were produced at the original Erie, Pennsylvania foundry. After Griswold's acquisition by Wagner in 1957, production moved to Sidney, Ohio and pieces no longer carried the Erie marking. The presence of "ERIE" on this Dutch oven confirms it as authentic Pennsylvania-made Griswold.

Condition Summary (SSC Museum Grade)

Per seller description ("No Wobble") and visual inspection:

✅ No cracks (confirmed)

✅ No wobble — sits flat (confirmed)

✅ Complete with matching self-basting lid

✅ Griswold cross logo clearly visible

✅ "ERIE" marking intact

✅ Pattern numbers legible (1278)

✅ Bail handle functional

✅ Self-basting rings intact on lid underside

✅ Excellent candidate for both use and archive

Cooking & Collector Value

The No. 8 Dutch Oven is one of the most versatile pieces in any cast iron collection. Its 5-quart capacity makes it ideal for:

• Braised meats (pot roast, short ribs, pulled pork)

• Soups and stews

• No-knead bread baking

• Deep frying

• One-pot meals for 4–6 people

• Low-and-slow oven cooking

Unlike many pieces in the SSC collection recommended primarily for display, this Dutch oven is an excellent candidate for active cooking use. The No. 8 size is practical for regular family meals, the self-basting lid provides superior moisture retention, and the flat-sitting base ensures even heat distribution. Vintage Griswold Dutch ovens are prized by serious cooks for their performance as much as their collectibility.

Restoration Plan (SSC Process)

This piece will be preserved under the Steve's Seasoned Classics Museum Process:

• Assess existing condition and seasoning

• Verify lid fit and self-basting ring integrity

• Apply SSC seasoning if needed for cooking readiness

• Full photographic documentation

• Archive in SSC permanent collection records

• Prepare for either active use or display storage

Care & Use Notes

• This piece is suitable for active cooking use

• Self-basting lid works best when Dutch oven is at least half full

• Preheat gradually to prevent thermal shock

• Use bail handle with heat protection when hot

• Hand wash and dry immediately after use

• Light oil coating after each use

• Store with lid slightly ajar or with paper towel between to allow air circulation

• Never soak or dishwasher

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

The Griswold No. 8 Dutch Oven with Self Basting Lid represents the practical heart of American cast iron cooking. While skillets may be more common and specialty pieces more exotic, the Dutch oven was the true workhorse of the American kitchen — the pot that made Sunday dinners, fed families through hard times, and passed from generation to generation.

For the SSC collection, this piece provides an essential counterpoint to the rare and unusual specimens. The Erie block letter kettle shows 19th century origins; the Wapak Indian Head shows regional artistry; the Wagner and Griswold skillets show everyday cooking heritage. This Dutch oven shows Griswold at the height of their engineering innovation — the self-basting technology that made their cookware genuinely superior to competitors.

Finding a complete set with matching lid is increasingly difficult. This is a piece that can be proudly displayed and actively used — the best of both worlds for a collector who believes in preservation through use.

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-GRI-DOV-08-ERIE-1278-SBL-001

Inventory Name

Collection Reference

This piece is part of the Steve's Seasoned Classics Core Griswold Collection, representing the finest examples of America's premier cast iron manufacturer.

Preservation Statement

Preserved as a museum-quality specimen of Griswold's engineering excellence, this No. 8 Dutch Oven with Self Basting Lid represents the practical genius of Erie, Pennsylvania's premier cast iron manufacturer. The patented self-basting lid technology, the precisely fitted Tite-Top construction, and the smooth machined interior exemplify why Griswold cookware was — and remains — the gold standard of American cast iron. Complete with its original matching lid and confirmed to sit flat without wobble, this Dutch oven stands ready for either display preservation or active cooking use in the Steve's Seasoned Classics tradition of preservation through use.