tell me what's your collection goal

[readyto3at]

when I started, I’d buy anything just to practice restoring it. now, I mostly hunt for the really old stuff, like prestylized Erie and early Wagner.
I recently found a Griswold LBL #14 with a heat ring that I planned to flip, but now that it's in my hands, I’m having second thoughts about letting it go

I wonder, do you guys stick to one brand/era or just grab anything cool that catches your eye? how do you decide what stays in the core collection vs what gets sold?

 

[checkm8]

I have multiple brands but there always that 1 brand I buy.... Griswold that is.

 

[Alan]

I have different brands. I test them out. Then stick to one that better... in grip, ease of cleaning and oiling.

 

[Greyh0und]

I mostly collect cast iron to use it. if I can’t bake or cook with it, I usually pass!
I’m not a total brand snob, but I definitely lean toward that Griswold aesthetic and weight
I have a hit list of specific pieces I’m trying to track down right now

 

[MaisonF]

I buy iron to use. Though I must admit I'm now well past the point of having enough pieces just to use. My new justification since I'm beyond "I don't have it yet" is that I will pass these down to my kids (4 of them) and at today's prices, vintage is still much cheaper than comparable modern brands for the quality, weight, and finish. Now I just like buying quality pieces for a good price when I find them. I try not to get caught up in whats "collectible" though I will pay more for a recognized brand. I just have my own price range, and have been good about walking away if it's outside my range. This helps curb my spending and slow the collection growth for space reasons.

My goal now is to complete a few mini-sets. Generally #6-#10 for several styles I have grown to really like. Griswold is not among them, I'm more opportunistic on Griswolds due to the wild pricing they can have.

I'm very interested in single-notch lodge and early Wagners with a heat ring. Those two I would love to complete the mini-set, along with smooth bottom wagner and Red Mountain BSR (only the #6 left).