Griswold | Skillet | No. 0 | Pattern 562 | Heat Ring | Erie, PA

Griswold Mfg. Co. | Erie, Pennsylvania | c. 1920s–1930s | SSC Museum Collection

★ RARE MINIATURE — THE SMALLEST GRISWOLD SKILLET SIZE ★

Overview

This is a Griswold No. 0 Cast Iron Skillet, pattern number 562, with heat ring — the smallest skillet size that Griswold ever produced. Often called a "salesman's sample" or "toy skillet," the No. 0 measures just 4 1/4 inches in diameter with a total length of approximately 7 inches including the handle.

Despite their diminutive size, Griswold No. 0 skillets were made with the same quality and attention to detail as their full-sized counterparts. The presence of the heat ring indicates this is a pre-1940 example, adding to its collector significance.

This piece has been triple-cleaned and restored to the best possible condition. While not perfect — as is often the case with vintage cast iron after nearly a century of existence — it remains a rare and valuable example of Griswold's smallest skillet production.

A Note on Restoration & Vintage Cast Iron

Setting Realistic Expectations: This skillet has undergone triple cleaning and professional restoration — representing the best possible outcome for a piece approaching 100 years of age. The result is a well-restored example that, while not perfect, showcases why Griswold remains the gold standard in vintage cast iron.

The Reality of Vintage Cast Iron: Not every antique piece can be restored to "like new" condition. Nearly a century of use, storage, environmental exposure, and handling leaves marks that even the most careful restoration cannot completely eliminate. Minor imperfections — small areas of pitting, surface variations, or wear patterns — are part of a piece's authentic history.

Why Imperfect Pieces Still Matter:

• Rarity: The No. 0 is Griswold's smallest and among its most collectible sizes — finding any example is noteworthy

• Authenticity: Signs of age confirm genuine vintage origin vs. modern reproductions

• History: Every mark tells a story of the hands that held this piece over decades

• Value: Rare pieces retain significant collector value regardless of minor condition issues

• Functionality: Even imperfect vintage Griswold outperforms most modern cookware

The SSC philosophy embraces vintage cast iron as it is — restored to the best possible condition while acknowledging that pieces approaching their centennial will carry the honest marks of their long journey through time.

The Griswold No. 0: Smallest of the Small

The No. 0 (pattern 562) is the smallest skillet Griswold ever manufactured. These miniature skillets were produced primarily in the 1920s and 1930s and served several purposes:

• Salesman's Samples: Representatives carried these to demonstrate Griswold quality without lugging full-sized cookware

• Children's Toys: Sold as part of toy cookware sets for children learning to cook

• Novelty Items: Marketed as ashtrays, spoon rests, or decorative pieces

• "One Egg" Skillets: Later marketed for actual cooking of single eggs or small portions

Collector Status: Griswold toy and miniature pieces are among the most valuable vintage cast iron collectibles, pound for pound. The No. 0 is particularly sought after as it represents the absolute smallest production skillet from America's most prestigious cast iron manufacturer.

Identification & Markings

Maker: Griswold Manufacturing Company

Location: Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Item Type: Miniature Skillet / Salesman's Sample

Size: No. 0 (smallest Griswold skillet)

Pattern Number: 562

Heat Ring: Yes (indicates pre-1940 manufacture)

Era: c. 1920s–1930s

Bottom Markings:

• "GRISWOLD" (logo style varies)

• "ERIE PA. U.S.A."

• "562" (pattern number)

• "0" on handle (size designation)

• Heat ring around bottom perimeter

Measurements (Typical for No. 0)

• Cooking Surface Diameter: ~4 1/4 inches

• Overall Length: ~7 inches (including handle)

• Depth: ~3/4 inch

• Weight: Approximately 8–10 ounces

Historical Context

Griswold Toy Production: Griswold began producing miniature cookware as early as the late 1800s. Evidence of "ERIE" marked toy skillets confirms production dates back to the company's first era. Production of toy and miniature pieces continued through the 1950s, with designs evolving alongside their full-sized counterparts.

The Heat Ring Era: The presence of a heat ring on this skillet dates it to the earlier production period, typically before 1940. Heat rings were originally designed for use on wood-burning stoves; as gas and electric ranges became standard, Griswold transitioned to smooth-bottom designs. Heat ring examples are generally considered more desirable by collectors.

Collector Value: Vintage Griswold toy and miniature pieces are, pound for pound, among the most valuable cast iron collectibles. Their small size made them easy to lose or discard over the decades, resulting in genuine scarcity. Complete sets of Griswold toy cookware command premium prices at auction.

Condition Summary (Restored)

This piece has been triple-cleaned and restored:

✅ Triple-cleaned restoration process

✅ Best possible restoration outcome achieved

✅ Heat ring intact

✅ Griswold / Erie PA / 562 markings visible

✅ No. 0 size designation present

✅ Rare and valuable despite minor imperfections

✅ Authentic vintage example (not reproduction)

Honest Assessment: Like many vintage pieces approaching their centennial, this skillet shows its age. The restoration brought it to the best possible condition, but some evidence of its long history remains visible. This is typical and expected for authentic antique cast iron — and does not diminish its rarity or collector significance.

Collector Value

The Griswold No. 0 skillet holds special status among collectors:

• Smallest Size: The No. 0 is Griswold's smallest standard skillet — highly sought after

• Scarcity: Small pieces were easily lost, discarded, or damaged over decades

• Heat Ring Premium: Pre-1940 examples with heat rings are more valuable

• Display Appeal: Miniatures are perfect for display collections

• Completeness: Essential for collectors seeking all Griswold skillet sizes

Care & Use Notes

• Primarily a display/collector piece

• Can be used for cooking single eggs or small portions

• Apply light oil to maintain seasoning and prevent rust

• Store in dry location

• Handle with care — small size makes it vulnerable to being dropped

• Excellent as spoon rest or decorative piece

Why This Piece Matters in the SSC Collection

The Griswold No. 0 Skillet adds the smallest end of the Griswold size range to the SSC collection. Combined with the Martin #14 skillet (the largest in the collection), this piece helps document the full spectrum of American cast iron skillet production — from miniature salesman's samples to massive hotel-sized pieces.

This acquisition also demonstrates the SSC philosophy that authenticity and rarity matter more than perfect condition. A genuine Griswold No. 0 with honest wear is far more valuable than a pristine reproduction — and tells a story that no new piece ever could.

Catalog & Naming (SSC Standards)

Catalog Number

SSC-GRI-SKL-00-562-HR-001

Inventory Name

Catalog Code Key

• SSC: Steve's Seasoned Classics

• GRI: Griswold Manufacturing Company

• SKL: Skillet

• 00: Size No. 0

• 562: Pattern number

• HR: Heat ring

• 001: First specimen

SSC Skillet Size Range

This acquisition establishes the smallest end of the SSC skillet size range:

• Smallest: Griswold No. 0 (562) — ~4 1/4" diameter (THIS PIECE)

• Largest: Martin No. 14 (Hamburger Logo) — ~15" diameter

The collection now spans from miniature salesman's samples to hotel-sized production pieces — documenting the full range of American cast iron skillet manufacturing.

Preservation Statement

Preserved as an authentic example of Griswold's smallest skillet production, this No. 0 Skillet (pattern 562) represents the miniature end of American cast iron manufacturing. Triple-cleaned and restored to the best possible condition, this piece carries the honest marks of its nearly century-long journey — marks that confirm its authenticity and tell the story of the countless hands that held it before it joined the SSC collection. The presence of the heat ring dates this piece to the earlier, more desirable production era (pre-1940). While not perfect — as few vintage pieces can be after such a long life — it remains a rare and valuable example that most collectors would be proud to own. Steve's Seasoned Classics embraces the philosophy that authentic vintage cast iron, restored with care, retains its significance regardless of minor imperfections. This piece is honored to take its place in the permanent SSC archive.