Sunday, June 19, 2011

Dru Holland Cast Iron Oval Au Gratin #36

I found my first Dru Holland enamelled cast iron piece this weekend, a beautiful oval au gratin roasting pan! I had seen photos online of the delicate tulip shapes, so when I spotted it, I knew right away what it was. The marking underneath of "Made in Holland" confirmed it, not to mention the fact that I could barely lift it. =)


I believe this piece was made in the 1950s; a similar piece in the same pattern was shown being used by Meryl Streep in the movie Julie and Julia.


The pattern came in other colours, like yellow with brown flowers, and turquoise with green flowers. The larger roasting pots had a big tulip motif within the pattern, but these shallow roasters only have the three-prong tulips seen here.


By the way, the cute padded stool was a $1.50 purchase from the old folks' home. I'm not sure whether to remove the upholstery and repaint the little bench or leave it as is.


I've shown my Le Creuset #20 Au Gratin for comparison on size. This #36 is a whopper, and I am a bit intimidated about using it. I figure a big chicken roast might be in order.


Unfortunately, another difference aside from the sizes are the conditions of the two pans. This Dru Holland piece has seen some better days and could use a good scrubbing. I still think it was a great deal at $4 from my local thrift store.

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11 comments:

  1. Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping]June 19, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Still a great bargain for $4 - just don't put your back out trying to lift it full from the oven! That's why I have my largest Le Crueset, my MIL couldn't manage it.

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  2. Me, stillJune 20, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    I would leave the stool as is! It is so retro like that!!!

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  3. sraikhJune 20, 2011 at 7:20 AM

    Ohh I found 2 au gratins as well. I didn't know they were dru. Excellent find. Thank you for the id.

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  4. Elemental MercuryJune 20, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Nice find with the Au Gratin, I'm jealous!!! To clean it up, let me recommend Bar Keeper's Friend, it removes stains from porcelain and Pyrex like crazy, I'm sure it would be great on enamel - I find it with other cleansers like Bon Ami. Good stuff.

    I also think the stool is perfect as is!

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  5. beetreeJune 20, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    I would def leave the stool just like that- it's fab! And that large roaster- oh my! What a score! :)

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  6. VanessaJune 20, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    $1.50 for the cute bench? Score! I like it just as is, maybe when you get sick of it down the road you can add some color? :)

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  7. JudithJune 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    My grandmother still uses the Dru pans my grandfather bought her for their wedding over 60 years ago. They really are a childhood memory to me.
    Hopefully your au gratin will bring you the same amount of joy!

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  8. SixBalloonsJune 20, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    Thanks everyone for your comments; Judith what a romantic story!

    I will definitely work on the exterior and hope to post the results. I also really love the stool as it is but the vinyl cover is a bit frayed.

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  9. FloJune 21, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    What a great find! It's so lovely and simply elegant. I second the Barkeeper's friend comment - I don't know how I cleaned anything before discovering it. That little bench for a buck fifty is amazing! I love it. You find really great items for great prices. Way to go!

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  10. MaryJune 25, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Love the pans and I love the stool too! I wouldn't change it at all. I bet Barkeeper's would work for cleaning up the pan too.

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  11. crazycampchickDecember 18, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    I just found a 36 for $8.00. Can't wait to use it!

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