The Book of Wagner & Griswold: Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior Smith, David G

Name: The Book of Wagner & Griswold: Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior Smith, David G
Price: 30.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Smith, David G
ISBN: 9780764311918

✍️ Smith, David G

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30 $

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the secrets and stories etched into heirloom cast iron cookware.

This comprehensive guide offers an unparalleled exploration into the cherished world of antique cast iron. Delving beyond its acclaimed predecessor, "The Book of Griswold & Wagner," it spotlights hundreds of previously uncataloged pieces from iconic manufacturers such as Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, and Excelsior Smith. Readers will discover intricate historical accounts of these prominent foundries, accompanied by over 845 detailed photographs. Essential data, including pattern and catalog numbers, alongside a vital price guide, solidifies this as an indispensable resource for both seasoned collectors and eager enthusiasts.

Key themes

{'title': 'Legacies of American Foundries', 'body': 'Explore the rich industrial heritage behind beloved brands. This volume traces the origins and evolution of key cast iron producers, offering insights into their manufacturing processes, product lines, and contributions to kitchenware history. Understanding these legacies enriches the appreciation for each unique piece.'} {'title': "Valuation and Collector's Market", 'body': 'Navigate the dynamic antique marketplace with confidence. The guide includes an up-to-date price reference, helping enthusiasts assess the market value of various cast iron items. This critical tool assists in both buying and selling, ensuring informed decisions for building or refining a cherished collection.'}

In stock

🏛 Schiffer Publishing 📅 2000 📖 256 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780764311918

Fun fact

David Smith’s latest offering is an essential companion for any cast iron aficionado, meticulously cataloging hundreds of previously undocumented items. Its strength lies in its exhaustive visual references and detailed historical accounts, making identification and valuation significantly clearer. While it superbly serves collectors of these robust kitchen treasures, those seeking general cooking advice or restoration techniques will need to look elsewhere. It firmly establishes itself as a definitive authority in the niche field of cast iron antique scholarship.

📝 Description: The Book of Wagner & Griswold: Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior Smith, David G

Cast iron cookware is an increasingly hot item in the antique marketplace. Collectors are scouring antique shops, shows, and flea markets searching for treasures to add to their collections; and hunting for more information about the products' history and manufacturers. In response to this growing demand, David Smith and Chuck Wafford have created another authoritative guide to collectible cast iron. This book continues where The Book of Griswold & Wagner left off--illustrating hundreds of items not included in the previous book. With over 845 photographs of cast iron pieces from the Wagner, Griswold, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior, and Martin manufacturing companies, this book delves into the histories and products produced by these manufacturers. Complete with pattern numbers, catalog list numbers, price guide, index, and much more; this book is a must-have for all cast iron cookware collectors.

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

For anyone captivated by the enduring allure of vintage kitchenware, whether a dedicated collector seeking to expand their knowledge or a novice just beginning their journey into the world of antique cast iron. If you cherish history, craftsmanship, and the thrill of discovery, this guide is…

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. While it expands on previous works, its comprehensive nature, detailed photographs, and clear identification guides make it an excellent starting point for any budding enthusiast.

Yes, it features a comprehensive price guide. This valuable resource assists collectors in understanding the current market value of various items, aiding in both acquisition and appraisal.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Legacies of American Foundries

Explore the rich industrial heritage behind beloved brands. This volume traces the origins and evolution of key cast iron producers, offering insights into their manufacturing processes, product lines, and contributions to kitchenware history. Understanding these legacies enriches the appreciation for each unique piece.

Valuation and Collector's Market

Navigate the dynamic antique marketplace with confidence. The guide includes an up-to-date price reference, helping enthusiasts assess the market value of various cast iron items. This critical tool assists in both buying and selling, ensuring informed decisions for building or refining a cherished collection.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The subtle variations in the handle design of early Martin pieces, particularly those pre-dating 1920, often provide the key distinction between a common skillet and a highly sought-after rarity.»

«While Griswold's 'Large Block' logo is widely recognized, the scarcity of certain Excelsior Smith patent dates, particularly on larger griddles, frequently drives their market value disproportionately higher.»

📜 Historical context

This work stands firmly within the tradition of specialized collector's guides, providing focused expertise on a niche yet passionate field. It builds upon earlier foundational texts, pushing the boundaries of comprehensive documentation for a specific antique category. By meticulously cataloging and historicizing these domestic artifacts, it preserves the industrial legacy of American foundries for future generations of enthusiasts and scholars alike.

📚 Glossary

Seasoning
Pattern Number
Gate Mark

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a piece of cast iron you own or have encountered. What stories do you imagine it could tell about its previous owners or the kitchens it graced?
Consider the industrial history presented in the book. How do these manufacturing legacies connect to broader themes of American craftsmanship and innovation?
If you were to start a specialized cast iron collection, which manufacturer or type of piece would you focus on and why?