Corning Ware: Patterns And Prices

CorningWare has been a staple of glass-ceramic cooking implements since its debut in 1958. The brand featured beautiful patterns that made them stand out, such as the popular Cornflower Blue design. These patterns, along with their functionality and durability, have made CorningWare valuable as collectibles.

While the most common CorningWare patterns, such as Cornflower Blue, are widely available and less valuable to collectors, rarer patterns such as the Nature's Bounty and Renaissance patterns are highly sought-after. These limited-edition designs can fetch tidy sums, with some pieces ranging from $50 to over $1000.

The value of vintage CorningWare may also be influenced by the brand's recent bankruptcy filing, with some collectors asking for thousands of dollars for their pieces. However, it is important to distinguish between asking prices and actual sold prices when determining the worth of CorningWare items.

Overall, CorningWare's unique patterns and versatility have made them a beloved and collectible item for many.

Rare CorningWare patterns: Nature's Bounty, Renaissance, Black Star, Starburst, Medallion

CorningWare has been a staple of glass-ceramic cooking implements since 1958. The company's products are highly sought after by collectors due to their mid-century modern aesthetic and the nostalgia they evoke. Some of the rarer CorningWare patterns include:

Nature's Bounty

Nature's Bounty is a limited-edition pattern released in 1971. It features a harvest of vegetables, including carrots, mushrooms, green peppers, and tomatoes, on a white background. The design is reminiscent of the bountiful harvests of the Age of Aquarius. This pattern is considered one of the rarest, and pieces can sell for $50 to $120.

Renaissance

The Renaissance pattern, released in 1970 as a limited edition, is quite different from the usual floral and vegetable motifs. It features a pen-and-ink sketch of a Renaissance-era city, inspired by a 17th-century etching of Stockholm's seaport. The intricate and detailed design makes this pattern highly sought after by collectors. Pieces can sell for $60 to $200, depending on their condition and size.

Black Star/Black Atomic Star

The Black Star pattern, produced in the early 1960s, stands out from the typical floral and vegetable designs. It features a simple yet elegant black eight-pointed star on a white background. This pattern is quite rare, and finding information about it can be challenging. Pieces with this pattern can sell for over $100, often fetching around $150.

Starburst

The Starburst pattern, produced from 1959 to 1973, is another rare design that was mainly used on coffee percolators and oven dishes. It features a large central star, two smaller stars, and metal bands. The blue or black ink stars with radiating patterns give it a retro space-age look. Pieces with this pattern can sell for around $100.

Medallion

The Medallion pattern, released between 1972 and 1974, is one of the hardest-to-find patterns. It was a promotional design for the Shell Oil Company, and only a limited number of pieces were produced. The design features a company medallion surrounded by ornate flowers and petals. Pieces with this pattern can be found at auctions and resale sites, selling for $30 to $100.

Common CorningWare patterns: Cornflower Blue, Spice O' Life, Wildflower, Country Festival, French White

CorningWare has been a staple of glass-ceramic cooking implements since 1958. The brand's ceramic cooking dishes are resistant to thermal shock, allowing them to be used across a wide range of temperatures and making them suitable for use in the freezer, oven, microwave, or broiler. They are also dishwasher-safe.

CorningWare's patterns are highly collectible, with some designs fetching thousands of dollars at auction. Here is a closer look at some of the most common CorningWare patterns:

Cornflower Blue

The Cornflower Blue pattern is one of CorningWare's most well-known and recognisable designs. It was the first CorningWare pattern introduced in 1958 and remained the brand's trademark for over thirty years. Featuring three blue flowers on a plain white background, the pattern is simple yet elegant. While the Cornflower Blue pattern is quite common, it is still sought-after by collectors, especially the early versions with sloped sides. These vintage pieces can sell for a premium, with a 21-piece collection selling for $70 online.

Spice O' Life

The Spice O' Life pattern is the second most produced CorningWare design, manufactured between 1972 and 1987. It features a band of vegetables, including mushrooms, artichokes, and garlic, in earthy tones that were popular in the 1970s. Some pieces also have French inscriptions, such as "L'Echalote" (the shallot), and are known as "French Spice." The Spice O' Life pattern is highly collectible, with certain models in good condition and with the original lid fetching thousands of dollars online. The rarest piece is the 4-quart casserole dish, which has sold for upwards of $4000.

Wildflower

The Wildflower pattern, produced between 1977 and 1984, is one of the most coveted CorningWare designs. It features bright orange poppies surrounded by yellow daisies and small blue flowers, capturing the popular earth tone designs of the time. The Wildflower pattern was originally released as a commemorative piece and could be stacked into a "wildflower tower." While individual pieces are typically valued at $10-$30 each, a complete set can be more valuable.

Country Festival

The Country Festival pattern, also known as the "Friendship" pattern, was produced from 1975 to 1976. It features a symmetrical design reminiscent of cross-stitching, with two blue birds facing each other surrounded by orange flowers. This design is less valuable compared to other CorningWare patterns, with individual pieces typically selling for around $5-$15. However, it is still sought-after by collectors, especially those who remember these pieces from their childhood or want to decorate their homes with retro items.

French White

CorningWare released the French White pattern in 1978, during a time when French cooking was gaining popularity in the United States. It is a classic, timeless design with a softer, more modern look than the earlier All White/Just White pattern. French White CorningWare pieces are delightful and affordable, with larger items fetching higher prices. For example, a lasagna pan recently sold for $39.50.

CorningWare teapots: Pyrex, Meadow, Blue Cornflower, Wildflower, Spice of Life

CorningWare teapots come in a variety of patterns and are available on eBay and Amazon. Here is a closer look at some of the patterns:

Pyrex

The Corning Blue Cornflower 6-cup teapot is made of Pyrex and comes with a metal lid. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with 51 reviews. Customers praise the quality and appearance of the teapot, calling it "beautiful" and in "wonderful shape." It is currently priced at $32 used, with an additional $5.49 for shipping.

Meadow

The Corning Ware Spring Meadow teapot is a 6-cup floral design with a lid. It is a vintage item available on eBay.

Blue Cornflower

The Blue Cornflower pattern is one of the most popular CorningWare designs. The 6-cup teapot in this pattern is available on both eBay and Amazon. On eBay, prices range from $6 to $954, with an average of $170. On Amazon, the used teapot is priced at $32, with an additional $5.49 for shipping.

Wildflower

The Wildflower pattern is another vintage CorningWare design. The 6-cup teapot with a metal lid is available on eBay.

Spice of Life

The Spice of Life pattern is a vintage design from the 1970s. The 6-cup teapot in this pattern is available on eBay.

CorningWare percolators: Platinum Starburst, Black Starburst, Avocado Medallion, Blue Macrame, Green Macrame

CorningWare percolators are a highly sought-after item for collectors, with some patterns being rarer than others. The Platinum Starburst, Black Starburst, Avocado Medallion, Blue Macrame, and Green Macrame patterns are all unique and desirable in their own right.

The Platinum Starburst and Black Starburst patterns were released between 1959 and 1963 as a "pattern d'homage" to the Space Race. The original Platinum Starburst percolators featured a Pyroceram spout, while the later Black Starburst percolators featured a chrome spout. These percolators are extremely rare and highly valued by collectors.

The Avocado Medallion pattern was released alongside the Avocado Round pattern and is considered a rare find. It is important to note that this pattern is included in the 1979 recall list, so collectors should be cautious when using this percolator.

The Blue Macrame and Green Macrame patterns were part of a limited edition gift line released by CorningWare in collaboration with Shell Oil. These patterns are highly sought-after by collectors and can often command high prices.

It is important to note that many CorningWare percolators, including some of the patterns mentioned above, were recalled in the 1970s due to safety concerns. Collectors should be cautious when using recalled percolators and always support the bottom of the pot when pouring to alleviate stress on the handle and rim assembly. Despite the recalls, CorningWare percolators remain a beloved and collectible item for many.

CorningWare cleaning tips: Baking soda and water, denture cleaner, avoid dish soap with lemon

To clean your CorningWare and keep it in pristine condition, it's important to use the right techniques and products. Here are some detailed tips and methods to help you clean and care for your CorningWare:

Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a fantastic natural cleaner that can effectively remove stubborn stains and odours from your CorningWare. Start by rinsing the dish with warm water to remove any loose debris and food particles. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the surface. Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub the baking soda into the stains or food residue.

For tougher, baked-on stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft sponge or cloth. Finally, rinse the dish thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue, and your CorningWare will be clean and ready to use!

Denture Cleaner

Specially formulated CorningWare cleaners are an effective and easy way to clean your dishes. Simply fill your dish with warm water and add a small amount of the cleaner, following the instructions on the bottle. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then use a non-abrasive cleaning pad, like a plastic or nylon mesh pad, to scrub away any baked-on food and grease.

For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process. Finally, rinse your CorningWare with warm water and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry on a drying rack.

Avoid Dish Soap with Lemon

While lemon juice is great for removing stains, you should avoid using dish soap with lemon when cleaning your CorningWare. The acidity of lemon can be too harsh and may damage the surface of your CorningWare over time. Instead, opt for mild, non-abrasive dish soap to gently remove any food residue and keep your CorningWare looking its best.

Other Tips

• Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the original condition of your CorningWare and prevent discolouration or warping.
• Always use non-abrasive sponges or soft-bristle brushes to avoid scratching the surface of your CorningWare.
• Rinse your CorningWare immediately after use with warm water and a mild dish soap to prevent residue from sticking to the surface.
• For tough stains, create a paste with baking soda and vinegar, apply it to the affected areas, and gently scrub with a soft sponge.
• Soaking your CorningWare in a mixture of dish soap and hot water is an effective way to loosen stubborn food residue and stains.

Frequently asked questions