Historical information
This large deep pan (with a long handle) was used by pioneer families, mainly rural folk, that needed a pan which could cope with an open fire heat source, in or mainly outside the homestead. This pan was used in the early to late 1900's for the "stews" and other meals required by hard working stock men and farmers that had irregular "lunch and dinner" breaks under sometimes hard and gruelling conditions. Hot plates were normally not in use.
Significance
This "open fire" saucepan belonged, and was used by a Kiewa Valley, pioneer family, the Roper Family. This saucepan was moved from their Kiewa Valley property to their hut built on the Bogong High Plains. This saucepan was one of an array of "open fire" cooking utensils used in the "camp draft" grazing in the Bogong High Plains and this could take up to six weeks. This kettle belonged and was used by a Kiewa Valley, pioneer family, the Roper Family. This kettle was moved from their Kiewa Valley property to their hut built on the Bogong High Plains. A scientific study started in 1947 to study the impact of grazing cattle on the natural Alpine and sub Alpine vegetation found grazing cattle had an adverse affect on the natural Alpine and sub alpine vegetation, and grazing on the plains was stopped by the Victorian Government in 2005.
Physical description
This large (black, soot infused) cast iron saucepan has a "ten pint" holding capacity and was used on the "open fire", possible on the fire direct. It has a long all metal handle coming from the top half of the pot and angled at approximately sixty degrees upwards. This angle insures that both distance from flame intensity and least bending of knees when lifting is at a minimum.
Inscriptions & markings
On bottom of pan (underside) "N0. 8 JSJ SIDDONS" on the other side "WEST BROMWICH 5 QUARTS"
