What are these pans for? I am sure they have a specific purpose but what?

These sound like casserole dishes.Here is a recipe for casserole:

How to cook a casserole

Every casserole recipe has its own distinctive ingredients and flavours but, for each, the basic cooking process is the same. Here are the four key steps for a perfectly cooked and flavoursome meat casserole.

Step 1: Place flour on a plate. Season with salt and pepper. Add the meat and toss to coat. Shake off excess. Alternatively, place seasoned flour in a sealable plastic bag. Add the meat and shake to coat. By coating the meat in this way, the flour thickens the liquid in the casserole.

Step 2: Heat oil in a flameproof, ovenproof casserole dish or large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add one batch of meat and cook for 2-3 minutes or until brown. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining meat, reheating the pan between batches.

Step 3: Add a little extra oil to the dish or pan. Add the vegetables, such as onion, carrot and celery, and any extra ingredients, such as bacon or prosciutto. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and slightly golden.

Step 4: Return the meat to the dish. If using a frying pan, transfer the meat and vegetables to an ovenproof dish. Stir in the liquid ingredients, such as stock, wine and canned tomatoes, and herbs or spices, if desired. Cover tightly and bake in the oven according to your recipe.

Make it ahead

One of the advantages of casseroles is that you can cook them in advance. If possible, make your casserole one day ahead and store in the fridge - this intensifies the flavours of the dish. To freeze ahead, cool the cooked casserole, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Don't add dairy products, such as cream, to the casserole before freezing, or the mixture will curdle.

Hope this helped! :D

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Never seen them before, but from what I can glean from Skynet, they were either a knockoff or a subsidiary of Guardian pans. The handle shape just seems to be a distinctive style, and not for any particular purpose.