The Book of Wagner & Griswold: Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, Excelsior (Paperback)

by David G. Smith (Author), Charles Wafford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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 offillustrating 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.

About the Author
David G. Smith, the Pan Man, resides in Perrysburg in western New York State. He is both a collector and dealer of cast iron cookware. Chuck Wafford, or Cast Iron Charlie, lives in Oregon. He is a former flea market owner, nationally known Griswold collector, consultant, and appraiser.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764311913
• ISBN-13: 978-0764311918
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #399,176 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots and lots of good information!, March 25, 2001

By	Bob Logan "bobdenver1961" (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This new book by the authors Smith and Wafford picks up where the old "blue" book stops. This book contains practically all new pictures and items which were not in the old book. Based on the title "The Book of Wagner & Griswold" the majority of the book contains information about Wagner. There is 124 pages which deal with Wagner Ware. The information contained is solid and not to be found anywhere else. Once again, this book becomes the Bible for collecting old cookware. The information on Griswold is not nearly as as long as Wagner. It is only 75 pages. There are many new items in this book which was not in the other books. There is quite a bit of information about aluminum Griswold items which is very helpful if you are collecting this type of cookware. Finally the sections on Martin Stove, Lodge, Axford, Vollrath and Excelsior(G.F.Filley) is great! For each manufacture it gives the history along with photo's/prices. Super information which I have not found anywhere else. I think this book is a "must have" for the cookware collector. It is a good companion book to "The Book of Griswold & Wagner." To be fully informed you really need both books. I have found these books by Smith and Wafford to be pretty close in the values of various items. Although variances do exist I have found these to be the closest out of all the cast iron collectable books available. I keep both of these books next to my computer and refer to them almost daily when shopping the internet for cast iron. A++++

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Second Cast Iron Collecting Book You Should Buy, December 22, 2005

By	T. Neitzel (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the second book you should buy if you have any interest in collecting classic American cast iron goods. Collectors call this the "Red Book". The first book, "The Book of Griswold & Wagner", is called the "Blue Book", although it looks kind of turquoise to me, and is by the same authors. This edition, with a copyright of 2001, is getting a little out of date for catalog values, but still is a good indicator of relative value. It covers Wagner, Griswold, Martin, Lodge, Vollrath, and Excelsior. There is little duplication between the Red and Blue books, but together they are just a treasure chest of good clear photogrpahs and information that is not available anywhere else. The author is active in the major collecting societies and solicits information, including photographs and corrections, as each edition is prepared. (As an aside, it's hard to comprehend how someone could be critical of a book full of pictures and descriptions of collectable iron.)

It is really unfair to be critical of the catalogs values in such a work. They are useful in determining relative value and rarity, but the current marketplace must looked at to get the best indicators of value.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bible #2 for cast iron collectors, December 21, 2005

By	cast iron addict "cast iron addict" (Northeast) - See all my reviews

Unlike steve (ca) review, this book is considered the second book that all cast iron collectors must have. While some discrepancy on some values in the book may be present, values on most items are completely accurate. It is unfortunate that the other review destroys the credibility of this fine book. The "RED" book is the most complete and accurate book on the market for Wagner Ware collectors. This book and the "BLUE" book should be in every serious cast iron collector's resource library.