Question about CI trivets

[D_Ferrari]

I've been watching a number of griswold dutch oven auctions, and some of them are full sets including the trivet. However, most people photograph the trivet inside the DO. They seem to fit perfectly, which leads to my questions. Are these old trivets something used inside the pan (like a modern day roasting rack) or were they meant to be used to protect a surface from the hot Dutch Oven?

Thanks

 

[Doug D.]

Old catalogs also refer to them as "meat racks". They were intended to be used inside the pot during cooking to elevate meat slightly off the bottom in order to prevent sticking, scorching or burning. Otherwise, there would be no real reason to have so many individualized sizes.