On Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:51:08 -0500, "cshenk" > wrote:

>"Stu" wrote
>
>> So I'm debating about buying a cast iron skillet circa 1880 from a
>> fellow in ontario (my first).
>
>Stu, enjoy it if you want the history of it. If wondering on cost, the
>modern ones work just as well. Afterall, cast iron is pretty much the same
>critter from the iron age to now.

The finish is inferior on the new ones. It's like sandpaper.
>
>I have some pieces i have no way to know the age of, some I got new, and
>some 'reputed' to be of a particular age. They all work the same.
>

Here's a page that helps a little with dating Griswold.

http://www.griswoldcookware.com/unde...g_griswold.htm

Lou