Monthly Archives: June 2025

RARE Griswold Cast Iron Rosette Cookie Press, 895 & 995, Pat. June 29 1880, Erie PA (Missing Base 894). Condition: This 1880 patented Griswold Cast Iron Rosette Cookie Press is in excellent condition, cleaned and seasoned. Its beautiful original Scandinavian floral designs are pristine. The press is complete and functional, however its base 894 is missing. These often broke on cast iron stove tops. One of the two cast iron handles has a sharp end so that the cookie press can be staked into ground in front of a fire. Length opened: 30 inches. Length closed: 15.5 inches. Press plate diameters: 5.25 inches each. Weight: 3.23 pounds. The Griswold Cast Iron Rosette Cookie Press, specifically models 895 & 995, with the patent date of June 29, 1880, have designs that are Scandinavian in origin. These presses are used to make rosette cookies, which are a type of thin, crispy, deep-fried pastry traditionally associated with Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Rosette Cookies: These cookies are characterized by their intricate, lace-like patterns, often resembling flowers or snowflakes, and are made using specialized irons called rosette irons. Scandinavian Tradition: The tradition of making rosette cookies originated in Scandinavia and has been a staple in their festive celebrations for centuries, especially during Christmas. Griswold Connection: While the Griswold presses were manufactured in the United States, they were designed to create these traditional Scandinavian pastries. The June 29, 1880 patent date refers to the design and technology of the press itself. Therefore, the designs of the E. Griswold Cast Iron Rosette Cookie Presses, 895 & 995, are directly linked to the culinary traditions and designs of Scandinavian rosette cookies. Selden refers to Selden E. Griswold, who was a partner of Matthew Griswold in the Griswold Manufacturing Company. Together, they worked on various innovations in cast iron cookware, including the 895 and 995 Cast Iron Wafer Rosette Maker, which was patented on June 29, 1880. Griswold played a significant role in the company’s development and expansion during its early years, contributing to its reputation for quality and innovation in cookware. The Griswold family who founded Griswold Cast Iron was of English descent. Their origins are in Solihull, England. The first members of the Griswold family to arrive in America were the Puritan half-brothers Edward and Matthew Griswold. They landed in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1639 and later settled in Windsor, Connecticut. Matthew Griswold is credited with founding the Griswold Manufacturing company in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1865. The Scandinavian pressed cookie with a floral design, made with a cast iron press, is called a Rosette. These cookies are a popular Scandinavian dessert, especially during the holiday season. They are known for their intricate floral patterns and are made using a special tool called a rosette iron, which is often made of cast iron. The batter is typically a sweet, crispy fritter batter, and after being fried, rosettes are traditionally dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Key characteristics of Rosettes. Scandinavian origin: They are a traditional Scandinavian dessert. Pressed with an iron: They are made using a rosette iron to create their shape. Floral or intricate patterns: The iron typically imprints them with beautiful designs. Fried: Rosettes are typically fried in oil. Crispy texture: They are light and crispy. Often dusted with sugar: They are often finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. While other Scandinavian cookies are pressed, such as spritz cookies (made with a cookie press that “squirts” dough into shapes), the term Rosette is specifically used for the ones made with the rosette iron.