Books

The Book of Griswold & Wagner — David Smith & Chuck Wafford, Schiffer Publishing, 4th Edition (2005) Known as the "Blue Book" among collectors. The definitive identification reference for Griswold, Wagner, Favorite, Wapak, and Sidney Hollow Ware. 320 pages, 900+ photos covering variations, pattern numbers, markings, and manufacturer histories. Prices are outdated but the identification content remains the standard. Start here.

The Book of Wagner & Griswold — David Smith & Chuck Wafford, Schiffer Publishing Known as the "Red Book." Picks up where the Blue Book left off. Covers Wagner, Griswold, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior, and Martin with 845+ photographs. Buy both.

Skilletheads: A Guide to Collecting and Restoring Cast-Iron Cookware — Ashley L. Jones, Indiana University Press (2020) More accessible than the Blue and Red books. Covers purchasing advice, manufacturer comparisons, and restoration methods including electrolysis and lye baths. Good entry point for newer coll

Online Resources

The Cast Iron Collector — castironcollector.com Free, comprehensive, and well-maintained. Covers U.S. and Canadian manufacturers, trademarks, logos, reproductions, restoration guides, a glossary of terms, patent database, and foundry database. Bookmark it.

Wagner and Griswold Society — wag-society.org The collector organization behind much of the field's reference material. Includes a publicly available reproductions list with photographs.