The Oldest CorningWare Pattern Is Now An Affordable Secondhand Item That Collectors Love

Most anyone who frequents thrift stores and yard sales has probably come across a Blue Cornflower  dish at some point. One of the first patterns ever produced for CorningWare was once a staple in nearly every American home, and the cookware is so durable that people still use it today. The distinctive design features three blue cornflowers, with stems, set against CorningWare's white-glass surface.

Although Blue Cornflower isn't a rare CorningWare pattern, it's an excellent vintage find. CorningWare launched in 1958 after the dawn of the space age. The dishes were made from a glass-ceramic composite called Pyroceram, originally developed by the aerospace industry for missile nose cones. After observing how it handled temperature changes, Corning adapted it for the kitchen.

The durability of Blue Cornflower pieces that find their way to thrift stores means they have been around a long time. If you grew up in the '60s, check whether you still have this valuable, vintage CorningWare bakeware at home. But many people who donate Blue Cornflower dishes don't realize what they have. To a vintage enthusiast, these pieces are valuable finds because of their style and endurance. That creates an opportunity for shoppers who know what they're looking at. The classic blue floral design is relatively easy to recognize, even when a piece is dirty, stacked underneath other dishes, or missing its original lid. So while Blue Cornflower isn't exactly a rare pattern, it can still be a hidden bargain.

If you're on the hunt for Blue Cornflower CorningWare, start in all the places where people donate unwanted items. Start with church rummage sales, garage sales, flea markets, and upcoming estate sales in your area. Many classic pieces will be mixed in with ordinary dishes rather than on display with high-dollar collectibles. The trio of blue cornflowers is the best way to identify this popular CorningWare pattern. However, remember that there is quite a bit of variety when it comes to the Blue Cornflower line. CorningWare produced the pattern on dishes of many different shapes and sizes. You can find it on casserole dishes, saucepans, serving platters, roasters, skillets, teapots, and even fryers.

Even when you see the Blue Cornflower pattern, you should still look at the backstamp. Items from before 1998 featured the brand name as two words: "Corning Ware." However, after 1998, the company changed to "Corningware." In 2000, CorningWare stopped making products from Pyroceram, changing to stoneware, which is cheaper to manufacture but not as cold- or heat-resistant. Pieces made after 2009 carry the mark "CorningWare" and were part of a revival of Pyroceram manufacturing.

If planning to use your newly purchased CorningWare, be sure to inspect the piece carefully. If it has any chips or cracks, it might be more likely to break. If there's a Pyrex lid, be sure to check it for chips and cracks as well. Also check the handles for wear and tear.