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Plated pieces
- Thread starter SDodson
- Start date
In the early part of the 20th century (and earlier), nearly every Griswold cast iron piece was also offered nickel plated. Nickel plating literally doubled the cost, so consumers may not have opted for it all that often. Nickel, being a softer metal, was also easily worn, so the rustproofing properties it held were short-lived. When Griswold moved to chromium plating, the number of pieces offered was vastly reduced, mainly comprised of skillets (and covers), dutch ovens and handle griddles, although a sizable number of hotel and restaurant serving pieces were offered in chrome. While nickel plating was simply applied to bare CI pieces, chrome in a mirror polish finish required the as-cast surfaces to be polish ground first, further adding to cost. WWII likely led to the discontinuance of both nickel (Wagner used only nickel) and chrome plating.
So, as to the question of rarity, yes, factoring together cost, age and limited selection, there will be fewer Griswold plated pieces to be seen than bare iron. The true rarity in plated pieces, however, are those in unused condition, which collectors covet over and above used worn ones.
So, as to the question of rarity, yes, factoring together cost, age and limited selection, there will be fewer Griswold plated pieces to be seen than bare iron. The true rarity in plated pieces, however, are those in unused condition, which collectors covet over and above used worn ones.