It Debuted In The Late '80s — Now It's The Antique Dishware Line Collectors Are Hunting For

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There are a number of vintage dishware brands that can help add retro charm to your kitchen. One such brand is Le Creuset, which marked its first 100 years in 2025. Since its beginning, Le Creuset has been known for its colorful enamel-coated cast iron, heavy weight, and durability. Of course, a shape you think of when you see or say, "Le Creuset," is "round," due to its iconic Dutch oven. There have been a few notable exceptions, though, including in 1987, when Jean-Louis Barrault created a line inspired by the 1958 design of American industrial designer Raymond Loewy, Coquelle, a modern, oblong-shaped take on the "classic cocotte." The name of Barrault's late-'80s line reflected its look forward, too: Futura.

The Futura Le Creuset line from 1987 features an oval shape with handles that are built right into each pot, as well as a lid handle that's integrated into the lid's slightly sloped design. These handles were intended to be more practical and easy to grip. The Futura line is also known for its two-tone finish, featuring multiple colorways, like a gradient or an ombre effect. Ridges, meanwhile, encircle the body, echoing the ridges found on each pot's side handles.

If you want to add a valuable Le Creuset pot into your home and kitchen, the Futura line, given its history, is certainly one to consider if you find it. Condition, of course, is a factor in how much these pots may go for. For example, while you may find one with multiple chips asking for $60, you also could find ones that are gently used (and in a color you don't often see like all-black) go for over $400.

When shopping at a thrift store, there are a number of rare Le Creuset patterns and colors to hunt for, including the Futura line. While online platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Etsy can make finding discontinued collections of Le Creuset easier, if you're able to find this vintage dishware brand on the secondhand market, it's important to look it over for proper markings and any condition issues that will impact either the value or usability of the piece.

For condition, check for any rust, particularly if it's not easy to remove, or damage to the enamel. You want to make sure that the enamel doesn't have excessive pitting, crazing, or large areas where the coating is missing. This is particularly important to pay attention to on the interior of the pot, as this renders the piece unusable as cookware. Also make sure that there are no large cracks, as this can indicate a loss of structural integrity.

To confirm authenticity of the pieces you find, you'll want to look for the correct stamps associated with Le Creuset in the '80s. Look at the bottom where the brand will be embossed into the cast iron. Not only will the maker's mark say Le Creuset, but it'll also have "Made in France" or just the country name. In the center of the mark, you'll see a two-digit number, such as "19" or "23;" this is the dish's diameter in centimeters. Make sure you check the pot lids as well, as they will also have markings, including the size number for the pot.