I see Griswold cast iron skillets called ‘#8’ or ‘#9’ or whatever. What are these numbers? Do they relate to the size? Are they literal inches? (Seems strange, since I’ve seen a #3 online, and I’ve never seen a 3" skillet.) How does one relate the number to the size in inches?
I have one of the little salesman demo models–around 4" in diameter–on the bottom it’s imprinted 0.
The skillet I use most (not Griswold) just says ‘Made in U.S.A.’ on the bottom, and it’s an ‘8’. It’s a 10-1/4" skillet.
The numbers refer to the Griswold company’s sand casting pattern/mold size. If your really interested there’s The book of Griswold & Wagner for collectors and here is the chart of common sizes by the author.