The Rustic Corning Ware Pattern That Collectors Dream Of Finding Secondhand

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Corning Ware was created in the mid-20th century when an already famous glass company, Corning Glass Works, decided to broaden its horizons by creating Pyroceram. This material, which was developed from an accidental discovery during research on photosensitive glass, was particularly durable in extreme heat. The company didn't stop there, though. They also produced charming outside decorative patterns for this glass-ceramic to take it directly from the oven and display it on a dining table.

Today, collectors love hunting for vintage Corning Ware pieces not just for their aesthetics, but also because many specimens can be found in good and even usable condition. One specific design that most collectors would be delighted to stumble upon is the "Country Festival" pattern. While this adorable product — put on the market in 1975 — looks a little different depending on the piece, it generally shows a pair of bluebirds facing each other surrounded by flowers, vines, and leaves, creating a rustic, folk-style scene. Decades later, Country Festival cookware remains a popular 1970s thrift store dish pattern that's popular among seasoned and new collectors alike. If you find yourself drawn in by this cute country cross-stitch-inspired design, explore the following tips to help find an example that is perfect for your own home.

Your biggest clue when searching for this sweet vintage dishware from Corning Ware is the pattern itself. The bright, primary colors and pair of bluebirds are distinctive, so once you have examined some example images, it should be easier to spot when hunting. If you look through shops in your area and don't have any luck, you can always find these pieces online.

When searching online, make sure to check for an image of the bottom exterior so that you can see the maker's mark showing that it is an authentic Corning Ware piece. While the Corning Ware factories used different marks over time, Country Festival patterns produced from 1975 to 1976 will generally have a faint hologram mark reading "Corning Ware," along with model information and location. The Country Festival hologram can be very hard to read, so if online images don't make the mark legible, request an additional photo for verification.

In addition, look closely to get an idea of the piece's condition. Ones with scratches and stains can be less valuable, and chips can make them no longer safe for cooking. If you want to use your Country Festival finds for decor, then ones with chips can work perfectly well as vintage kitchen dishware displays on shelves or sideboards. Country Festival is especially dynamic for displays since the pattern is found on a variety of items, including casserole dishes, teapots, sauce pans, and even oil jugs.