11 Most Valuable CorningWare (Reach Up to $4,000)

Search through your grandparents’ kitchen cupboards, or rummage through a vintage jumble sale and you have a great chance of finding some vintage CorningWare which could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!

CorningWare was first produced in 1958 and became rapidly popular due to the revolutionary mix of glass and ceramic called Pyroceram which made the kitchenware highly resistant to heat and cold. CorningWare dishes could be placed in the microwave, the hottest ovens and the coldest freezers without risk of damage. Their casserole dishes, ramekins, dinnerware, bowls, coffee pots, percolators, souffle dishes (and so much more!) featured traditional, floral patterns against a pure white background.

The good news is that the value of CorningWare products has increased over the years, particularly those rare and limited edition patterns which are not commonly found nowadays. This makes them highly collectible kitchen items, particularly since classic cookware has made a comeback in recent decades.

Information on the most common and rarest CorningWare markings and patterns can be easily found online.

Today we’ll focus on the top 11 most valuable vintage CorningWare – that is, products made before 1999 – on the market today, their current value, and auction records. We’ll also provide you with a price guide and a buying and selling guide.

Round-Up List: Most Valuable CorningWare

When it comes to CorningWare, the rarer the pattern, the more valuable the piece. Today, we’ll list the rarest and hence most valuable CorningWare items. Be aware that while casserole dishes tend to be the most expensive items, any products with the patterns listed will also be valuable. Prices are accurate as of September 2022.

1. Spice of Life Casserole Dish

At the top of all “rarest CorningWare patterns” and “most valuable CorningWare” lists is the Spice of Life casserole dish. This classic pattern contained garden vegetables and herbs, in pastel and earth-tone colors which were popular during the 1970s. This pattern was printed between 1972 and 1987. Make sure to look for the model name which was inscribed below the patterns on the earliest dishes, as these sell for more. Note that the other casserole dishes in this pattern (with model names inscribed) also fetch high prices at auction.

Pattern:

L’Echalote La Sauge (Spice of Life)

See all CorningWare items with this pattern here.

Size:

4-QT

Typical value:

In very good condition, these pieces are valued at between $300 and $1000 USD. This item can reach up to $4000 USD according to some sources! Although we have not found the auction listing to back this up, there are casserole dishes on sale on Etsy for $2000+ at the time of writing.

2. Cornflower Casserole Dish

The Cornflower pattern is the top of the list when it comes to the most produced CorningWare pattern, so it may be surprising that it’s second on our list today. Its high value is thanks to the fact that it was the first ever patter produced by this company. There are 3 sizes of casserole dish which command a high price in this set. The elegantly simply pattern containing 3 blue cornflowers epitomises the style and charm of CorningWare.

Pattern:

Blue Cornflower

Find out more about this pattern here.

Size:

11/2-QT

Typical value:

In very good condition, these pieces are valued at between $200 and $1000 USD. The highest we could find was $1192 USD according to Australian newspaper 7News.

3. Blue Heather Series

No CorningWare list is complete without mentioning the Blue Heather series of kitchenware. This pattern was produced between 1977 and 1981 and displays small, intricate blue flowers connected by green vines. This pattern has been enduringly popular for its eye-catching bed of flowers style.

Pattern:

Blue Heather

Find out more about the Blue Heather pattern, along with other CorningWare blue patterns here.

Size:

Various

Typical value:

Items in good condition can fetch between $100 to $150 USD.

4. Renaissance Casserole Baking Dish

One of CorningWare’s classiest patterns, the Renaissance pattern features a black city skyline against the typical white background of the Pyroceram. Detailed spires and rooftops with realistic textures are a notable feature of this rare item. Depending on which Renaissance item you have, the city skyline may differ, for example some items feature Stockholm. This pattern was only produced in 1970 for a limited time.

Pattern:

Renaissance

Find out more about this exclusive series here.

Size:

1.5 Qt – 4 QT

Typical value:

In very good condition, these pieces are valued at around $150 USD but typically sell for between $80-$100 USD.

5. Daisy Teapot

Next up, a teapot! Not necessarily the first thing you think of when it comes to CorningWare, but a range of transparent engraved teapots was produced and fetches a higher price at auction compared to their standard ceramic-glass teapot counterparts. The material is Pyrex, and the teapots were a limited edition which adds to the value. The pattern includes daisy flowers, stems and leaves.

Pattern:

Daisy

See some similar engraved, transparent items from CorningWare here.

Size:

11/2-QT

Typical value:

In very good condition, these pieces are valued at between $50 and $150 USD.

6. Wildflower Casserole Dish

Returning to a more typical CorningWare pattern now, the blooming Wildflower pattern features poppies, daisies and forget-me-nots, evoking a beautiful summer day. These items were produced between 1978 and 1984. The Wildflower pattern is notable for its high level of detail which surpassed many of the other flowery designs of the past. This series which included 7 kitchenware items could be stacked to form a “wildflower tower”. This pattern may also be known as Spring Bouquet.

Pattern:

Wildflower / Spring Bouquet

See all CorningWare items with this pattern here.

Size:

11/2 QT

Typical value:

Casserole dishes tend to fetch between $80-100 USD.

7. Forever Hearts Casserole Dish

This romantic casserole dish features a pattern of hearts and flowers but was not one of CorningWare’s most popular patterns at the time of production. This means it is quite a rare pattern to find nowadays, and hence can be valuable. The casserole dish is made from standard Pyroceram with short handles either side.

Pattern:

Forever Hearts

Find out a little more about this pattern here.

Size:

4-QT

Typical value:

These casserole dishes have been known to fetch up to $140 USD. Usually, you can expect them to go for between $80-$100 USD.

8. Nature’s Bounty Series

This pattern series is one of the rarer patterns as it was produced as a limited edition gift line in 1971. Nature’s Bounty items display an offering of harvested vegetables in a mustard yellow color against the standard white background. Some love it, some hate it! That’s why it is hard to put a price on the Nature’s Bounty series.

Pattern:

Nature’s Bounty

More information about this gift line here.

Size:

Various

Typical value:

Items in good condition can fetch between $50 to $120 USD.

9. Starburst Percolator

These striking percolators were notable for the fact that the Starburst pattern was only printed on percolators. The starbursts in question appear as three 4 point stars, one larger and two smaller. The simple design has a fantastical feeling and the blue-black versions are particularly popular with collectors.

Pattern:

Starburst

Find a video review of the Starburst percolator from 1959 here!

Size:

4-cup, 6”

Typical value:

Items in good condition usually reach around $100 USD. Beware of fakes and reproductions!

10. All White / Just White Series

This range is called All White or Just White. It does as the name suggests – the entire items are white and lack a pattern! At the time of production, between 1965 and 1968, CorningWare realised not all their potential consumers wanted floral patterns on their kitchenware. The plain white of the All White range appealed to those with more conservative tastes.

Pattern:

All White / no pattern

Find out more about this series here.

Size:

Various

Typical value:

Items in good condition usually fetch between $60 and $90 USD.

11. Atomic Black Star Casserole Dish

The Black Star, or Black Atomic Star pattern features an 8 point star on the typical pure white background. The design is simple and elegant, and reflects the growing interest in space exploration among the general public happening around the time of its production in the 1960s. This dish is rare and intriguing – it is difficult to find out much about it!

Pattern:

Black Star / Black Atomic Star

Find out more about this rare and intriguing pattern here.

Size:

4-QT

Typical value:

In very good condition, these pieces are valued at around $50-70 USD. Some items have sold for up to $178 USD on eBay recently!

Valuable CorningWare: Price Guide

Every piece of CorningWare has something special to offer, and while some may fetch a higher price than others, it does not mean they are not valuable! Many associate this kitchenware range with happy childhood memories such as their grandmother’s beef stew.

While vintage CorningWare items might not be the most valuable things on the vintage market right now, they are rising in value as time goes on, slowly but surely. They are one of the most collectible kitchenware ranges around. Try the Corning Museum of Glass website for old CorningWare catalogues.

If you have a CorningWare item and want to know how valuable it is, try searching for it online and finding current listings to get a gauge of the market value. You can search some vintage forums and post detailed images of your item to get information and an idea of value from experts and enthusiastic amateurs. Try:

• This reddit thread dedicated to vintage kitchenware called Pyrex Love
• The forum of the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters

Valuating your CorningWare is very easy, try these simple steps:

1. Condition

Check the whole piece for cracks, chips, stains, faded areas, and repairs. Items in mint condition will fetch top prices while those with damage are valued much lower.

2. Research Recent Sales

Searching through eBay and other online auction sites will give you a good idea of how much the item is selling for currently. Try to find the same model in the same kind of condition as your piece.

3. Pattern

Search for your pattern online. It will be easy to get an idea of how rare or common the pattern is through various expert blogs and online catalogues. The rarer the pattern, the higher the value!

Valuable CorningWare: Buying And Selling

Whether you want to start a beautiful CorningWare collection or sell some kitchenware that has come into your possession, we have assembled the best resources for doing so.

Before buying or selling, make sure you research the average market price for the particular item you are buying or selling. Search thoroughly for the model, pattern and size, and try to find examples which have been sold in the same condition as your piece (or in your desired condition).

Keep an eye on Collector’s Weekly for useful listings across different auction sites. Sellers and CorningWare enthusiasts share their stories and rare finds on this site.

The Decorative Cookware, Dinnerware and Serveware section of eBay is a great place to get a gauge for the right price of your item. Filter the search results by brand, condition, year produced, and keywords.

Etsy is an excellent place to find vintage CorningWare items in a range of patterns and styles.

When it comes to how to sell your CorningWare, make sure you do your research thoroughly and include lots of details in the listing for collectors to read through. The same goes for buying CorningWare – go for listings with plenty of information and detailed photos. Try to find reputable sellers and don’t be afraid to ask them for more information.

FAQs

What was the first CorningWare pattern?

The first ever CorningWare pattern produced was the Blue Cornflower pattern. It has become synonymous with the company name and is still widely popular today.

What is the value of the 1975 CorningWare Country Festival pattern?

The Country Festival pattern, also called the Friendship Blue Bird pattern features a bold, Scandinavian design of two blue birds, orange and yellow flowers with green vines between. While this pattern is very popular to this day, it does not have a high value. Vintage items tend to fetch between $15 and $50 USD. However, rare items and those in mint condition could fetch a higher price.

Does vintage CorningWare contain lead?

The actual dishes do not contain lead, but the paint on almost all vintage items can contain lead. Vintage bowls and baking dishes have been found to test positive for lead. The readings can be between 15,000 and 100,000 PPM (parts per million) of lead.

Where is the stamp on vintage CorningWare?

The stamp, or brand name and logo, is always located under the base of vintage CorningWare items. It usually includes the name CorningWare, a letter such as “A” which indicates the time period the item was made in, the dimensions of the item, the safety labels (i.e. where it is safe to place the item: oven, microwave, dishwasher), and where it was produced.

What is CorningWare made of?

Most CorningWare is made of the glass and ceramic combination material called Pyroceram. It has heat, cold, and break-resistant qualities and was accidentally created by CorningWare producers in the laboratory. Some CorningWare items are made from Pyrex. Today, CorningWare items are still made from ceramic stoneware in a slightly different ratio to vintage items, but still essentially the same recipe.

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