When CorningWare made their debut in 1958, they were revolutionary. They featured beautiful patterns that made them stand out.
Also, made from a special glass-ceramic material, they were virtually impervious to temperature extremes. This allowed them to be safely used as cookware (in ovens, microwaves, stovetop, freezers, and refrigerators) and as beautiful serveware.
Today, CorningWares are as (or even more) valuable as they were all those years back. But this is not for their functionality as cook- and serveware, but for their appeal as collectibles.
Many of the CorningWare patterns are so rare today that they command tidy sums.
What are the rarest CorningWare patterns? How much will they fetch you? How do you identify vintage and valuable CorningWare? Read on to find the answers to these questions.
Table of Contents
10 Rarest CorningWare Patterns
No. | Name | Year | Price |
1 | BlueHeather | 1977-1981 | $100-$150 |
2 | Nature’sBounty | 1971 | $50-$120 |
3 | AllWhite/JustWhite | 1965 | $60-$90 |
4 | RenaissancePattern | 1970 | $100 |
5 | BlackStar/BlackAtomicStar | 1960 | $150 |
6 | StarburstPattern | 1959-1973 | $100 |
7 | TheWildflower | 1978 | $80-$100 |
8 | TheMedallionpattern | 1972-1974 | $40-$50 |
9 | TheSpiceofLife | 1970 | $100-$1000 |
10 | TheBlueCornflower | 1958 | $100-$1000 |
Some of the rarest CorningWare patterns and their costs are:
1. Blue Heather
Year: 1977-1981
Price: $100 – $150
This pattern was produced from around 1977 to 1981. It features small blue 5-petal flowers and small green leaves connected by vinery.
The appeal of the Blue Heather design is in simplistic sophistication. The blue blooms are small and cool to look at, and not the big flowers of some designs that jump at you. Also, they spread over a large section of the ware creating a beautiful flowery bed.
You’ll find these beautiful pieces for around $100 – $150.
2. Nature’s Bounty
Year: 1971
Price: $50 – $120
The Nature’s Bounty pattern is one of the rarest CorningWare patterns you’ll find. It was produced only in 1971, not over a long stretch of time. Also, it is a limited edition, so not many of it were produced.
It features a harvest of vegetables on a white background. The cluster of vegetables include carrots (complete with their feathery carrot greens), mushrooms, green peppers, and tomatoes.
The Nature’s Bounty pattern conjures feelings of having a bountiful harvest. If you have one of the Nature Bounty CorningWares, it can fetch you a tidy sum. Their value range from about $50 to $120.
3. All White/ Just White
Year: 1965
Price: $60 – $90
When it comes to CorningWare patterns, the All White (sometimes called the Just White) is an outlaw.
As the name suggests, the ware is just a plain white colour. So, the All White is a patternless pattern.
It appealed to the conservatives. Those that are put off by the flowers, fruits, and veggies of the other CorningWare (which admittedly is sometimes overboard) used to be drawn to the matured plain look of the All White.
The All White design was introduced in 1965 and was produced only until 1968. So, relatively few were produced, making it one of the rarest CorningWare patterns today.
Today, you’ll find All White designs available for $60 – $90.
4. Renaissance Pattern
Year: 1970
Price: $100
The Renaissance pattern takes a sharp turn from the flowers and veggies that dominate CorningWare patterns.
It features a pen-styled black and white sketch of a Renaissance-era city.
The pictured city is Stockholm. In fact, the patterns are inspired by an etching of Stockholm’s seaport found in the 17th-century book Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna by Erik Dahlbergh.
The sketches differ depending on which of the Renaissance collection you find.
You’ll find sketches of a renaissance city skyline, as well as a port complete with ships’ mast. These drawings are all very detailed, even including ancient drawn carriages and people minding their businesses.
The Renaissance pattern is a very rare one. It was produced in 1970 as a limited edition, so not many were produced.
The Renaissance pattern CorningWare sells for around $100 and more.
5. Black Star/ Black Atomic Star
Year: 1960
Price: $150
The Black Star pattern is another one that shifts from the common patterns of blooms, fruits, and vegetables.
The black star (or black atomic star as it is sometimes called) features a black 8-pointed star design that looks like a retro’s space picture of a distant star.
The star design sits beautifully on the ceramic with no other markings. It’s elegantly simple.
The Black Star pattern CorningWare are so rare that not only is finding them difficult, but finding anything about them is also difficult.
The black Star pattern was produced in the early 1960s, presumably before 1963. It appeared on casserole dishes that usually have floral patterns.
If you have the CorningWare Black Star casserole today, it’ll fetch you over a hundred dollars – about $150.
6. Starburst Pattern
Year: 1959 – 1973
Price: $100
The Starburst Pattern is one of the few CorningWare patterns that appeared only on percolators.
The design features three 4-pointed stars. One is prominent, and seems to be bursting, with curves of luminous energy around it. While the two other smaller stars appear as some distant glow below the prominent one.
Overall, it’s a very simple and beautiful design.
The Starburst Pattern was in production from around 1959 to 1973. The fact that it was on only percolators means CorningWares with the pattern are rare today.
The CorningWare percolators with the Starburst design will set you back by around $100.
7. The Wildflower
Year: 1978
Price: $80 – $100
The Wildflower is another CorningWare bloom pattern. It features bright red showy poppies, yellow daisies, and little blue flowers, all basking in a summer shine.
The Wildflower design will evoke feelings of basking in the summer glow. The design first popped up on CorningWare in 1978 and was seen until about 1984.
The Wildflower design warmed hearts back then not just because of its summer appeal, but also because the design was more intricate than previous ones.
It is for this reason that the Wildflower pattern is a very valuable CorningWare pattern today. You’ll find casserole dishes with the intricate wildflower pattern priced at about $80 to $100.
8. The Medallion pattern
Year: 1972 – 1974
Price: $40 – $50
The Medallion pattern features artistic lines working together to form a beautiful design. The CorningWare medallion design was available in two colours – blue and green.
The Medallion is one of the rarest CorningWare patterns today. This is because it was made as a promotional pattern for Shell Oil company between 1972 and 1974.
This means that only a few companies were made, and that they were not available for sale in stores like other CorningWares.
The vintage Medallion patterned CorningWares can be found today coating about $40 – $50.
9. The Spice of Life
Year: 1970
Price: $100 – $1000
The Spice of Life CorningWare pattern is a wonder in so many ways.
The first is that the iconic design is simply a lineup of red tomatoes, green pepper, artichokes, mushrooms, and spices on a field of herbs. It somehow turns a lazy line of veggies and spices into a bright and cheerful design.
In the earlier “Spice of Life” casserole dishes, you’ll find one of three inscriptions just below the veggies. These are French phrases – La Romarin, L’Echalote, and La Marjolaine. For this reason, these earlier “Spice of Life” patterns are often called “French Spice”.
Also, while the Spice of Life design is the second most-produced CorningWare pattern, it is one of the rarest today.
When it comes to vintage products, the fewer products produced at the time, the rarer the products will be later on, and the more valuable they’ll be as collectibles. Well, the “Spice of Life” shatters that narrative. While it’s the second most-produced pattern, it’s arguably the most valuable CorningWare pattern today.
The “Spice of Life” casseroles are among the few CorningWare patterns that’ll fetch you four figures today.
The earlier “Spice of Life” with the French inscriptions are priced at $1,000+. Without the inscription, the Spice of Life can still command a couple of hundreds.
10. The Blue Cornflower
Year: 1958
Price: $100 – $1000
The Blue Cornflower is the most recognisable CorningWare pattern. It became the first CorningWare pattern when it was introduced in 1958. It is a very simple design that features 3 glorious blue cornflowers complete with their leafy stalks.
The earlier casserole dishes bearing the blue cornflower pattern had sloped sides, but from 1972, the sides became straighter.
The blue cornflower pattern is definitely the most produced CorningWare pattern ever. It was produced for over thirty after its introduction and then discontinued. But its extinction was short-lived, as it made a rousing comeback.
Being the first CorningWare pattern raises the mystique of the blue cornflower pattern, and hence its value. The early blue cornflower dishes are some of the most valuable today, especially those pretty oldies with slope sides. Just like the “Spice of Life” pattern, they can fetch you over a thousand dollars.
How much is CorningWare worth?
The vintage CorningWare can reasonably fetch you between $40 to $1,500.
Know that you’ll find many online articles shouting that the CorningWares are worth “up to $10,000” or “thousands of dollars”.
However, this is not entirely true.
There are two situations that have caused the recent perception about CorningWare being the new gold.
The first is that a vintage CorningWare allegedly sold for $10,000 on eBay. The second is that many other CorningWare listings on eBay appeared to have sold for thousands of dollars.
However, experts say that there are signs that these eBay sales figures are inaccurate. For example, they are usually auction sales and come with two prices – a listed price (quoted) and a “best offer” (not quoted).
So, if the listed price is $7,000, it is not conclusive that the item was sold for $7,000. The item had almost certainly sold at the best offer – the highest bid that the seller received for it.
Also, most of those high figures that Corningwares have appeared to be sold for are even figures (like $4,000, $7,000, etc). This is unlikely in auction sales where persons bid in small increments.
Conclusively, your CorningWare cook- and serve-ware are unlikely to fetch you $10,000 or anything close to that. However, the ConrningWare are picking up steam as collectibles and will fetch you tidy sums, up to $1,500.
Which vintage CorningWare is worth the most?
Some of the most valuable CorningWares are the early Blue Cornflower designs with sloped sides. These valuable pieces are sure to command four figures of about $1,000 – $1,500.
The “French Spice” is another very valuable CorningWare patterned cookware. These are the early versions of the “Spice of Life” pattern with cursive French inscriptions. They can fetch you about $1,200.
What is the rarest CorningWare?
One of the rarest CorningWare is the Medallion patterned wares. Being that they were not sold in stores, it is quite difficult to find them today.
The Renaissance, the Nature Bounty, the Black Atomic Star, the All White are also very rare CorningWare patterns for different reasons. For the Renaissance and the Nature Bounty, not many were produced back then because they were limited editions. For the Black Atomic Star and the All White, not many were produced back then because the patterns were discontinued only a few years after their production started.
How to identify vintage CorningWare
There are different ways to identify vintage CorningWare including looking at the patterns, the lids, and the design of the cookware.
The different patterns were introduced at different times, with some discontinued at particular times. So, the pattern in a Corning ware can tell you the proof it was made.
The design of the ware is also very informative. For example, the P 1 ¾-B (1.75 quart) casserole dish was discontinued in 1972. So, if you find any of these, you’ll know it was one of the early CorningWare made before 1972.
The lids of the ware are also very informative as different lids were introduced at different times. For example, the A 7-C lid replaced the P 7-C lid in 1972, so if your CorningWare comes with an P 7-C, it’s from before 1972.
Conclusion
CorningWare are now becoming valuable collectibles. Maybe not as valuable as the media circus is making them, but a rare CorningWare pattern can fetch as much as $1,500.
Some of the rarest and most valuable CorningWares include the early Blue Cornflower pattern with sloped sides, and the early Spice of Life patterns with the French inscriptions.
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FAQs
What is the Rare stamp on CorningWare? ›
The rarest CorningWare pattern is the Spice of Life 4-QT casserole dish. The whole line of L'Echalote La Sauge or Spice of Life pattern CorningWare dishes has become valuable. Mint condition 4-QT casserole dishes with this pattern can sell on eBay for $4,000 or more, making them the rarest pattern out there.
What was the first CorningWare pattern? ›Corning Ware cookware's first widely distributed pattern was the 'Blue Cornflower' pattern designed by Joseph Baum, an artist at the Charles Brunelle Advertising Agency in Hartford, Connecticut. It became the trademark of Corning consumer products for three decades.
What year was Blue Cornflower CorningWare? ›When Corningware introduced the Blue Cornflower collection in 1958, consumers snapped up the pieces like hotcakes. Immediately, other manufacturers created nearly identical copycat products, designed to capitalize on the Blue Cornflower buying frenzy.
Where is the stamp on vintage CorningWare? ›For traditional square Corning Ware, this mark was under the Handle Lug, except for Petites, which were embossed on the bottom, but with measurement in milliliters. For French White/Classic Black and Casual Elegance, it is located on the bottom.
What do the numbers mean on CorningWare? ›Sets are most often seen with these pattern suffix numbers. e.g. The A-130 is the Meal Maker set (A-1 1/2-B and A-3-B with both glass lids and plastic storage lids); in Abundance, the box would be marked A-130-381 while Fresh Cut would be A-130-212 and Pastel Bouquet would be A-130-93.
Does old CorningWare contain lead? ›With some very rare exceptions, the paint on the outside of both vintage Pyrex and vintage Corningware bowls and baking dishes will usually test positive for lead between 15,000 - 100,000 PPM lead.
When was CorningWare Cornflower discontinued? ›Series "A" Corning Ware has been discontinued, it was produced from 1973-1994; however, the cornflower pattern was discontinued after 1988.
When did CorningWare stop using lead? ›“Before the 1990s, virtually all glass and ceramic ware made anywhere in the world contained Lead as a primary ingredient in the decorating fluxes and glazes. All our products have been Lead-free since the mid-2000s.
What is the most sought after Pyrex pattern? ›Patterned Pyrex—such as the 1956 Pink Daisy or the 1983 Colonial Mist—tend to be valuable as a collector's item. Other popular patterns include the 1957 Butterprint, which features an Amish couple and their crops, and has been valued at a few hundred dollars.
How can you tell vintage Corelle? ›When identifying whether a dish is Corelle, look for a Corelle or Corning logo somewhere on the bottom of the dish. Look for a “CorningWare” backstamp for dishes manufactured before 1998.
Where was the original CorningWare made? ›
Corning Ware originated in 1958 in Corning, New York. The glass cookware was shopped to homemakers as “oven-to-table service” that could even be used directly on the stovetop. Oddly enough, not only was the invention of pyroceram an accident, but so was their first Corning Ware pattern.
Is Blue Cornflower CorningWare safe to use? ›From braising meats to baking cobblers, this classic CorningWare® casserole set will be a go-to. A favorite for more than 50 years, the glass-ceramic fusion is safe for gas or electric stovetops and in the oven, broiler or microwave.
What year is CorningWare floral bouquet? ›Corning Ware P-1 1/2-B lidded casserole dish in the "Floral Bouquet" pattern which was produced from 1971 to 1975.
When was CorningWare wildflower made? ›The CorningWare Wildflower bakeware pattern was produced from 1977 to 1985.
When was French white CorningWare made? ›Introduced in 1978. CorningWare French White's fluted design delivers classic style that is the perfect complement to any décor. French White bakeware combines the functionality of classic designs with contemporary styling.
How do you clean vintage CorningWare? ›In a large pot, combine 3 cups vinegar, 4 cups water and 2 Tbsp citric acid, and bring to a boil. Set one CorningWare dish into the boiling mixture for five minutes (the water must cover the dish). If necessary, scrub wet CorningWare with an S.O.S pad. Once dry, your dishes will look brand new.
Does CorningWare French White contain lead? ›All our products have been Lead free since the mid-2000's. Lead content has never been regulated until recently. We recommend using the items you have as decorative pieces. We hope this information is helpful.
What is better Pyrex or CorningWare? ›While both CorningWare and Pyrex make great casserole dishes, CorningWare models are generally more versatile and slightly more reliable due to their unique ceramic-glass material.
Can old CorningWare go on the stove? ›All glass-ceramic CORNINGWARE® can be used in conventional, convection, toaster and microwave ovens, on a rangetop, under a broiler, in the refrigerator, freezer and in the dishwasher.
What does the number on the bottom of a Pyrex bowl mean? ›Pyrex dishes also hide a little secret code: Many contain a three- or four-digit number that corresponds to a specific dish. A series of Mixing Bowls will feature 401 (1.5 pint), 402 (1.5 quart), 403 (2.5 quart), 404 (4 quart). The iconic two-quart green-and-white casserole dish is a 232.
Should I get rid of my old Corelle dishes? ›
If you own Corelle dinnerware from before 2005, consider removing it from your kitchen cabinets due to concerns for high levels of lead. Corelle recommends using their pre-2005 dishes as quote “decorative pieces.”
Which Corelle patterns have lead? ›Corelle dinnerware sets containing lead are older vintage Corelle plates or Corelle pre-2005 dishes. Decorative patterns are common on vintage Corelle dinnerware. The Corelle Company now encourages consumers to cease using historic Corelle for meals and only use it for decoration.
What vintage dishes contain lead? ›Vintage ceramic dishware like clay pots, cups, and plates from overseas may have high levels of lead that can contaminate your food. While lead poisoning is mostly associated with dust and chips from old paint, ceramic dishes and lead-glazed pottery can also pose serious health risks.
Why was CorningWare percolator recalled? ›All Corning percolators with a chrome metal spout were recalled in 1979 because the spout can separate from the pot. As these pots age, the glue that holds them together is even more likely to fail. Do not risk scalding yourself, your child, spouse or pet by buying this!
Can old CorningWare go in the freezer? ›Whether you have mixing bowls, serving pieces, bakeware, storage containers, or other types of Pyrex (which also includes CorningWare and Corelle), you've probably wondered whether it is safe to put in the freezer. The short answer is yes—but there are a few rules you should follow.
Can old CorningWare go in the microwave? ›The only Corning Ware® we are aware of that is NOT microwave safe is "Centura" by Corning®. It is an old style with a sculptured rim and a plain edge and has no print pattern printed on it. All other Corning Ware® is microwave safe.
When was Corelle Butterfly Gold discontinued? ›While the Butterfly Gold pattern was discontinued in 1981 its Corelle counterpart went on for many years after.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning from dishes? ›Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and loss of sex drive. Most adults with lead poisoning don't look or feel sick.
Is Corelle going out of business? ›...
Corelle Brands.
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Merged with Instant Brands |
| Headquarters | Downers Grove, IL, U.S. |
| Key people | Ben Gadbois, president and chief executive officer |
Pretty much everyone in the Pyrex collecting community agrees that Lucky in Love is the rarest Pyrex pattern ever released. Lucky in Love is an elusive print that dates to 1959 and only appeared on one-quart round casserole dishes.
How do I know if my Pyrex is worth money? ›
One thing you should look out for is a brand logo. For instance, Corning Glass dishes have their logo printed as “PYREX,” all in capital letters inside a circle. You'll generally find it on the bottom of Pyrex glassware. Older pieces will have stamps showing a man blowing glass.
What is the most expensive vintage Pyrex dish? ›The most expensive Pyrex sold on eBay was on June 5, 2020 sold for $5,655.55 and it was an “Oh My Stars” Gold Constellation 474 MCM Starburst Grail with lid. This dish is so unique and would be perfect for a New Year's Eve soiree.
What are the most popular vintage Corelle patterns? ›Some of the most popular Corelle designs are Country Cottage, Farmstead, Spring Blossom Green and Butterfly Gold.
How do I know if my dishes are worth anything? ›Look for a back stamp or marker stamp.
Once you know the manufacturer, you can look up the approximate value of the piece online. The back/marker stamp is usually found on the bottom of the dinnerware. Look for a marking that is painted, impressed, or stamped on the piece.
It was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works (later Corning Inc.) in the United States. The brand was later spun off with the sale of the Corning Consumer Products Company subsidiary (now known as Corelle Brands of Rosemont, Illinois).
Does CorningWare own Corelle? ›Instant Brands is home to iconic, category-leading brands, including Instant™, Corelle®, Pyrex®, Corningware®, Snapware® and Chicago Cutlery®.
Are Corelle dishes valuable? ›As with any vintage item, Corelle dishes are worth whatever someone is willing to pay—but in general, articles claiming these dishes are worth tens of thousands of dollars are false. The vast majority of listings on eBay fall between $25 and $100.
Why is Corelle so expensive? ›It's expensive because it's known for its Vitrelle glass technology which makes each glass piece resistant to chipping, breakage, and staining. Take care of it and you can pass it on from generation to generation. That is durability that's worth every peso!
When did they stop using lead in china dishes? ›Before 1971, there were no limits on lead in dinnerware and ceramics, so vintage items from before then are very likely to have unsafe levels of lead.
Can cornflower CorningWare go in the microwave? ›The Corningware A-3-B blue cornflower Pyroceram casserole dish is made of original Pyroceram white based material. This is a 3 liter dish. The casserole dish is safe to use on electric and gas stovetop, is microwave and dishwasher safe and can be used in a preheated oven and broiler.
What is the rare stamp on CorningWare? ›
The rarest CorningWare pattern is the Spice of Life 4-QT casserole dish. The whole line of L'Echalote La Sauge or Spice of Life pattern CorningWare dishes has become valuable. Mint condition 4-QT casserole dishes with this pattern can sell on eBay for $4,000 or more, making them the rarest pattern out there.
What is the oldest CorningWare design? ›Corning Ware cookware's first widely distributed pattern was the 'Blue Cornflower' pattern designed by Joseph Baum, an artist at the Charles Brunelle Advertising Agency in Hartford, Connecticut. It became the trademark of Corning consumer products for three decades.
When was Corelle ribbon bouquet made? ›Ribbon Bouquet (1984) - Dates & Details for Collectors of Corelle, Pyrex, Corning Ware & Centura.
When was Pyrex Pink Daisy made? ›Manufactured in 1957, Pyrex's Pink Daisy is a favorite for its sweet bubblegum pink exterior and simplistic innocent white daisy pattern.
What year is Spice of Life CorningWare? ›In 1972, Corning Ware introduced the Spice of Life pattern, also known as French Spice, which was in production until the late 1980s. This pattern was a slightly improved version of the Cornflower pattern, with larger glass knobs on the lid and straighter, more square-like bodies with wider handles.
Does CorningWare contain lead? ›With some very rare exceptions, the paint on the outside of both vintage Pyrex and vintage Corningware bowls and baking dishes will usually test positive for lead between 15,000 - 100,000 PPM lead.
Is vision Corning the same as Pyrex? ›It is NOT! Pyrex is made of only ordinary baking glass (typically either borosilicate or soda lime glass) and highly susceptible to “thermal shock” when exposed to sudden temperature changes. On the other hand, VISIONS is made of transparent Pyroceram.
Is CorningWare owned by Pyrex? ›CorningWare was first introduced in 1958 by Corning Glass Works—the same company that manufactured our beloved Pyrex—featuring unique glass-ceramic (Pyroceram) cookware resistant to thermal shock.
When was CorningWare Wildflower made? ›“More rare patterns, like Wildflower - made from 1977 to 1984 - and Floral Bouquet - made from 1971 to 1975 - can fetch up to $10,000 online.”