Tournus Copper Cookware Pan with Tin Lining
Cookware (Hollowware) · Tournus, a renowned French manufacturer founded in 1910 in Burgundy, France, initially known for aluminum and later high-quality professional copper cookware.
Pattern: Standard Professional Series, recognizable by the 'Tournus' mark and the silhouette of the Tournus Abbey towers.
Type
Cookware (Hollowware)
Maker
Tournus, a renowned French manufacturer founded in 1910 in Burgundy, France, initially known for aluminum and later high-quality professional copper cookware.
Material
Solid copper exterior for heat conductivity with a traditional hand-wiped or electroplated tin lining interior. Note: Not a silver item; the silver color is tin.
Dimensions
Estimated 20-24 cm diameter; heavy gauge copper likely weighing between 1.5kg to 2.5kg depending on thickness (usually 1.5mm to 2.5mm).
Description
A classic example of French culinary heritage, this Tournus copper pan features the iconic three-tower mark. While it lacks precious silver content, it is highly valued by chefs for its superior thermal properties. The tin lining prevents the copper from reacting with acidic foods.
Key Features
Distinctive Tournus Abbey logo, heavy copper gauge, 'Made in France' provenance, and the use of tin as a protective interior coating.
Material & Composition
Solid copper exterior for heat conductivity with a traditional hand-wiped or electroplated tin lining interior. Note: Not a silver item; the silver color is tin.
Finish & Decoration
Polished copper exterior (currently oxidized) with a brushed/scoured tin interior; utilitarian industrial design with mechanical stamping.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'TOURNUS', 'MADE IN FRANCE', and a graphic depiction of three towers representing the Abbey of Saint-Philibert de Tournus.
Construction Details
Spun or press-formed copper body with a mechanically attached handle; the lining is applied via tinning.
Functional Features
Flat bottom for heat contact; tin lining provides a non-reactive cooking surface; handle attached via heavy-duty rivets or threaded bolt.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely a cast iron or brass long handle (based on the dark appearance of the socket) attached with a visible screw/bolt mechanism.
Craftsmanship Details
Professional industrial grade; cleanly struck hallmarks and robust handle attachment designed for longevity in high-heat environments.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic factory stamp with correct font and logo for the mid-20th century period; wear patterns consistent with professional kitchen utensil use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Tournus, Burgundy, France; manufactured in a factory known for both residential and professional-grade culinary equipment.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Modern / Post-War Industrial French Cookware (1950s-1970s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1975 based on the specific style of the stamp and the handle attachment hardware.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Haute Cuisine' movement where French copperware became the global standard for professional cooking excellence.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy surface scratching (scouring) on the tin lining; significant tarnish and oxidation on the copper rim; evidence of heavy kitchen use; requires re-tinning if the copper is peeking through.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 depending on the specific pan depth and the condition of the tin lining; professionally re-tinned pieces command higher prices.
Care & Maintenance
Polish copper with Wenol or Wright's Copper Cream; never use abrasives on the tin lining; hand wash only; re-tin every few years if used frequently.
Similar Pieces
Mauviel, Bourgeat, and Dehillerin; Tournus is often considered a more accessible but high-quality contemporary to these brands.
Interesting Facts
The Tournus brand is so synonymous with its town that the logo uses the local 10th-century Romanesque abbey as its trademark.