Cast Iron collecting philosophy

[scrapeIt.]

I’m curious about everyone’s philosophy when it comes to hunting for iron. when I started out, I’d buy basically anything just to practice restoration.
but I eventually got super specific. now I only look for early pieces that pre date the classic, stylized Griswold and Wagner logos
how do you guys handle your collection? do you have a strict target, or just grab whatever looks cool and collectible when you find it?

 

[checkm8]

When I started this hobby, I used to grab every rusty pan I saw. Chasing them down was fun and seasoning them was just a bonus.

 

[Alan]

I started buying anything I see that looked nice in the kitchen. It was a show off and eventually became intentional. I now only have the ones that I really need and often use.

 

[Mr. Candyman]

My father taught me how to spot good metal and how much work each piece needs. He advised me to keep hunting on Griswold and Wagner pans. Aside from the fact that you can easily trade or sell them, I want to be consistent on what I collect.

 

[MaisonF]

I started looking for good users. Vintage pans in good condition for a cheap price. After a few years, my price range increased and I started passing on obviously warped or overly common types. I started out with a mix of different types, mostly 3-notch lodge, BSR's and Wagners, marked and unmarked. While I still have those brands, it takes quite a bit more for me to purchase something new. Either very cheap for the condition, unmarked wagners for $20 or less are still an amazing deal for what you get, or are a little more on the collectible side that I know will be hard to find later. I'll buy as many Gris SBL #8's under $50 as I can find. I have 4 kids and I'll give them each a care package when they leave the house.

I am trying to now complete mini-sets of a few different styles. Mainly #6-#10 for BSR, Wagner smooth bottom (dead flat only), and Wagner outside heat ring. But I'll opportunistically buy anything old and uncommon when a good deal presents.

I also put together a little set of four of the #3 skillets in BSR and Griswold LBL's, now looking for 2 more affordable Wagner marked #3's for the set.