Rare! 1895-1910 2nd Series ERIE #8 (Griswold) w Heat Ring and likely Starfish Makers Mark! Don't miss this one!
Oh baby, this one is a special one! Griswold made Erie skillets are the earliest versions of the brand, made in the VERY early 1900s. Early makers made their skillets by hand, and the very first Erie skillets were marked by makers with flowers, pineapples, and even a nautical anchor. We have had one of the "starfish" makers mark skillets before which shows a prominent star in the same position as this one. While this isnโt prominent like the other, it looks like this was from the same maker. But its impossible to say for sure, which makes this an even more romantic idea! So unique and hard to find. You do not want to miss this. Sits flat on glass. Perfect for all cook tops.
DISCLAIMER: We have prepared this piece to be ready to use or displayed in a collection. All pieces are vintage, and therefore are not in perfect condition. Their history of use means small marks and inconsistencies, which we feel give them a special charm. All items are sold as is, and we have done our best to present them as such. Please review all pictures and ask for further clarification if needed. Thank you! - Cast & Clara Bell
Cast And Clara Bell sells fully restored cast iron cookware, bakeware, dutch oven, griddles, sad irons, bailed griddles, gem pans, muffin pans, kettles, skillets, trivets, lids and much more! Brands like Griswold, Wagner, Sidney, WagnerWare, Wapak, Lodge, Favorite Piqua, Marietta, Orr and Painter, Erie, Griswolds Erie, Gate marked unknown, Birmingham Stove and Range, Vollrath, Chicago Hardware Foundry, CHF, Martin Stove and Range and Specialty pieces are organized into categories. We sell Collectorโs pieces, every day users and everything in between!
Vintage Materials Notice
Cast & Clara Bell specializes in the sourcing and restoration of vintage and antique cast iron cookware manufactured primarily between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. These items were produced prior to modern material standards, testing protocols, and regulatory disclosures.
While all cookware sold by Cast & Clara Bell is professionally cleaned, restored, and seasoned for traditional cooking use, we do not perform laboratory-based material testing for trace elements or residues, nor do we make representations regarding the presence or absence of any specific substances.
Customers acknowledge that independent consumer testing methods may produce inconsistent or unreliable results and agree that purchasing decisions are not based on any implied guarantee regarding material composition beyond the functional use of the cookware as restored.
By purchasing vintage cookware from Cast & Clara Bell, the buyer assumes responsibility for any independent testing performed after purchase and agrees that Cast & Clara Bell shall not be held liable for the interpretation or outcome of such testing.
Cast Iron Skillet Size Guide: What Size Do You Need?
One of the most common questions we get is: What size skillet should I buy? Whether you're frying an egg or searing a full roast, choosing the right size is key to a great cooking experience.
Note: These sizes are general estimates and can vary by brand. For exact dimensions, always check the product photos and description on each listing.
๐ Skillet Size Comparison
| Skillet Size | Approx. Diameter | Recommended For | Rarity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | VERY Hard to Find | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 3 | 6 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | No | ๐ฒ |
| 4 | 6 inches | Frying eggs, small sides | Somewhat | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 5 | 7 inches | Side dishes, sautรฉing, single grilled cheese | No | ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 6 | 8 inches | Side dishes, sautรฉing, omelets | No | ๐ฒ |
| 7 | 9 inches | Side dishes, sautรฉing, omelets | Somewhat | ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 8 | 10 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | No | ๐ฒ |
| 9 | 11 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Somewhat | ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 10 | 12 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Somewhat | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 11 | 13 inches | Proteins, stir-frys, larger side dishes | Yes | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 12 | 14 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, etc. | Yes | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 13 | 15 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, big batch meals | VERY Hard to Find | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
| 14 | 16 inches | Large proteins, full pound of bacon, crowd cooking | Yes | ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ |
๐ ๏ธ Buying Tipsย
- New to cast iron? Start with a size 8โ10. They're versatile and great for daily cooking.
- Cooking for a crowd? Sizes 12โ14 will feed everyone with room to spare.
- Have a glass cooktop? Look for listings marked "sits flat" โ full contact is key.
- Looking to collect? Sizes 2, 11, 12, and 13 are rare and can be prized additions to a collection.
Still not sure which oneโs right for you? Reach out anytime. We love helping folks find the perfect piece. Or dive deeper by reading more on our Cast & Clara Bell Blog.









