Corningware Blue Cornflower (Vintage Guide)

Corningware Blue Cornflower kitchenware has been an integral part of American households for over 60 years. The collection includes a casserole set, a baking dish set, and a bowl set. Whether you are needing a ramekin, pie plates, petite pans, roasters, or sauce-makers. Knife sets, mixing bowls, and glassware round out this kitchenware ensemble. For beverage service, percolators and teapots are also available.

In this article, you’ll learn how to identify these much-loved Blue Cornflower pieces and obtain useful tips on their current market values. Most importantly, you’ll find sources for this iconic kitchenware, so you can begin your own Blue Cornflower collection.

History

The company launched the first collection was made in 1958. It was manufactured in Corning, New York. It was marketed as the first oven-to-dinner-table cookware. The wide-ranging collection displays an exquisite Blue Cornflower. This stylized floral bouquet look features a beautiful and simple wildflower design.

Corningware products were innovative. Crafted from Pyroceram, a World War II-era composite, they can withstand extreme temperatures with no ill effects. Corning topped its casserole dishes and other bakeware with the company’s renowned Pyrex glass lids.

After decades of continued popularity, Corning ceased production of Pyroceram-based Corningware in 2000. In 2001, the company rebranded with stoneware-themed bakeware.

Today, vintage pieces are extremely desirable collectibles. They are especially popular among baby boomers who grew up with this beautiful, functional cookware.

Corningware represents one of many trending mid-century modern items with a nostalgic connection to a simpler time.

Spotlight on the Pieces

Corningware’s legendary Pyroceram-based kitchenware was made with World War II technology.  The Corningware products are popular because of their ability to withstand drastic temperature changes while maintaining their integrity. For example, a Pyroceram-based

Corningware casserole dish can safely be used in the oven or broiler. This casserole dish is also adaptable to stovetop use. Plus, it’s microwave-safe if it doesn’t have metal components.

Pyroceram-based cookware also has high chip and crack resistance. It can be stored in the fridge or freezer, and it’s dishwasher-safe. As the icing on the cake, this striking line of cookware and bakeware makes an attractive addition to the dining table.

The Collection

The original CorningWare Blue Cornflower Collection featured an assortment of products for baking, cooking, and serving food. Certain products, such as Corningware casserole dishes, were available in several sizes. Other products were grouped into Corningware sets.

Original Line

• Bakeware
• Buffet Ware
• Casseroles (or Saucepans)
• Coffee Percolators
• Cookware and Bakeware
• Covered Saucepans
• Drip Coffeemakers
• Electromatic Skillets and Warming Trays
• Large Cookware
• Petite Pans
• Platters/Trays/Roasters
• Saucemakers
• Skillets
• Tea Kettles and Teapots

How to Identify Vintage Blue Cornflower Pieces

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.

If you’re considering a Blue Cornflower purchase, determine the item’s authenticity before you pay. And don’t be fooled by sellers who claim their item is an antique. Neither the Blue Cornflower piece or the copycat item is a potential antique. Visit this page to learn the difference between antique and vintage.

Examine the Backstamp

You can determine an approximate age for your piece by looking at its backstamp. Each piece of plates has a one on its underside.

Before 1998, the  read “Corning Ware” in two words. In 1998, the company switched to a one-word “Corningware”. In 2002, Corning discontinued their kitchenware. But in 2009, the company brought its iconic kitchenware back. The newly made pieces displayed a one-word “CorningWare”.

Verify the Pattern

Corningware was known for having appealing patterns. In fact, a piece’s pattern can indicate whether the item is vintage…or not.

The original Blue Cornflower pattern features a three-cornflower design with lovely blue cornflowers on a solid white background. The Blue Cornflower pattern was a mainstay over many years of production.

Ask a Glass Expert

Ask a recognized glass expert whether you have a vintage piece. Or, a knowledgeable antique dealer may provide an informed opinion. Consult a reference book.

They contain descriptions, photographs, and product era details on many pieces.
Contact an online authenticator. Provide a description of the piece, along with photographs that show all the item’s features. If the piece contains defects, point them out. This ensures they have all the facts before giving their opinion.

Vintage Blue Cornflower Bakeware Values

Vintage Blue Cornflower Bakeware prices are all over the map. On the lower end, pieces may have asking prices of $.50 to $10. You’re likely to encounter these super-low prices at yard sales, estate sales, and thrift shops. This tends to happen because workers are unaware of Vintage Blue Cornflower values.

Less-common items may be within the $30 to $50 range. Blue Cornflower pieces with manufacturing flaws or with limited production runs will likely have hefty prices.

Asking vs Selling Price

As with other vintage collectibles, Corningware Blue Cornflower sellers may ask unrealistically inflated prices for their pieces. For example, eBay currently features a Vintage

Pre-Owned Corningware Blue Cornflower 4-Casserole Dish Set with Lids for $4,999.

Auction Selling Prices for 5 Blue Cornflower Pieces

1. 9” P-9-B Casserole Dish with Lid $275.00
2. 2 Quart/8 Cup Drip-o-Lator $70.39
3. 11” Square P-16B Casserole Dish w/Lid $38.50
4. 8x8x2 P-322 Casserole Dish $25.00
5. 6-Cup P-104 Teapot with Metal Lid $17.88

Where to Find Blue Cornflower Bakeware

Looking for  Blue Cornflower bakeware is like embarking on an exciting treasure hunt. You know the rewards are somewhere nearby—you just have to find them.

Vintage Blue Cornflower

A professionally operated estate sale is an excellent place to begin your search for Vintage Corning ware Blue Cornflower pieces. Every weekend, estate liquidators around the country host these exciting multi-day events.

If you’re lucky, you might discover a few pieces of Blue Cornflower Vintage Corning Ware on a display table or shelf. In addition, look for the Cornflower dinnerware collection, on the market from 1957 through 1988. You might even find a Pyrex lid to fit on top!

Specialty Retailers

Specialty retailers may be good sources for Vintage Corning Ware Cornflower Blue pieces.

Local antique shops are always worth a visit. Larger stores with multiple dealer booths may be especially good prospects.

You might also find them at vintage furniture stores and upscale thrift stores. These shops carry donated items from estate liquidations. They may even have Blue Cornflower dishes.

Carefully browse each shop’s kitchenware shelves. And be thorough; the Blue Cornflower pattern pieces may be hiding behind ordinary-looking kitchenware.

Local and Online Auctions

Next, local auctions may yield some treasures, such as Blue Cornflower casseroles. However, these desirable pieces tend to be buried in boxes with other kitchen items. You may have to bid on an entire lot (or group) of items to get the pieces you want.

Make use of your time and find out which types of items will be included in the auction before attending the event.

Online auctions may yield considerably better results. Individual sellers and antique dealers from around the country place items up for bids. Multiple sellers offer a better chance of snagging that Blue Cornflower piece that has piqued your interest. eBay and Live Auctioneers are two well-known online auction platforms.

Online Vintage Marketplaces

Online vintage and antique marketplaces may list vintage Blue Cornflower pieces among their inventories. Etsy and Ruby Lane are two of the largest shops, although an online search produces other venues. Finally, Amazon.com sells vintage Blue Cornflower through its seller network.

Reissued Blue Cornflower

With increasing interest in 1950s and 1960s brands, corningware recently brought Blue Cornflower cookware and bakeware back onto the market. In 2017, the company marked its 60th anniversary by reintroducing its enduringly popular Blue Cornflower line.

Home furnishings stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond carry the reissued cornflower pattern pieces. This simple (and striking) motif also appears on the dinnerware collection. It includes dinner plates and other serving components.

Maybe you’d like to add vintage blue flower Corning ware to your kitchenware inventory. Or you’re intrigued by the pieces’ versatility and classic charm.

Or, maybe you prefer modern bakeware and serving ware, but you love the beautiful blue cornflower pattern. Either way, these attractive, functional Corningware pieces will make a welcome addition to your modern home.