completely intact late 19th century ornamental cast iron "no 5" flush mount residential mailbox fabricated by the griswold manufacturing co., erie, pa. griswold was known primarily for their cast iron cookware and accessories made from a partnership of matthew griswold and his two cousins samuel and john seldon beginning in 1868. they manufactured separable butt hinges and other articles of hardware thus known as the "butt factory." this name was dropped in 1873 and the company became known as seldon & griswold manufacturing company. a fire swept through the plant in 1885 but it was repaired and remodeled the same year. the firm was reorganized two years later, and the griswold manufacturing company was chartered. in 1903 they moved the plant to the old shaw piano building. griswold was purchased by mcgraw edison co., of chicago, ill. in 1957. the mailbox contains the original dual flip top lid with lockable hasp. the original peephole swinging cover remains intact. the backside contains a tin sheet for mounting purposes. free from paint.