Adjustable Forged Cauldron Hanger (Trammel Hook), 64-90 cm

Adjustable Forged Cauldron Hanger (Trammel Hook), 64-90 cm

Honest Iron for Your Field Kitchen

This trammel hook is brilliantly simple. It consists of two main parts that cleverly interlock:

• The Rack: A long bar with coarse teeth cut into one edge. It features a large ring at the bottom for securely hanging your cauldron's bail handle.
• The Hook and Eye: The upper part consists of a hook with a decorative forged scroll, used to hang the entire assembly from a tripod or beam. A firmly riveted rectangular eye serves as a slider, allowing the toothed rack to pass through it.

How does it work? Simply lift the toothed rack slightly to release the tension on the eye. Then, slide the eye up or down and "bite" it into the desired tooth by tilting the rack. This allows you to instantly and safely change the height of the cauldron over the fire.

The hanger is hand-forged from structural steel over 5.5 mm thick and weighs nearly 1.5 kg. This is a solid piece of iron that won't let you down and will reliably hold even a full, heavy cauldron of stew for your entire group. The blackened finish gives it an authentic look and helps protect it from corrosion.

History of the Trammel Hook

Adjustable-length pot hooks, known as trammel hooks in English or Kesselhaken in German, were standard equipment in kitchens, hearths, and camps for centuries. Their use is documented from at least the High Middle Ages up to the 19th century. They were crucial for cooking over an open fire, where temperature control was essential. A cook could sear food low over the fire and then raise the cauldron for a slow simmer or just to keep it warm. This toothed design is one of the most common and reliable historical variations.

Technical Specifications

How to Care for Your Hanger

As the hanger is made of steel, it is naturally prone to rust, especially in a damp camp environment. It's a piece of iron meant for the fire, so a patina is desirable, but corrosion should be prevented.

• Thoroughly dry the hanger after each use (and especially after rain); do not leave it wet.
• For the best protection, you can occasionally wipe it down (especially before storage) with a cloth soaked in cooking oil (e.g., flaxseed oil) or lard. This will create a protective film.
• Do not leave the hanger lying in wet grass, mud, or directly in ashes, which retain moisture.
• Do not clean it with modern abrasives or wire brushes, as this will unnecessarily remove the blackened finish.