Guide to Vintage Corning Ware

Corning, a specialty glass company, started making Corningware in 1958. Because you could put it in the oven, refrigerator and freezer, it quickly became popular among homemakers. Inexpensive older pieces can be found easily.

Identification

Vintage Corningware refers to pieces the company made before 1999. Some tableware has been in continuous use for more than 50 years.

Patterns

Corning made pieces with many designs, including Cornflower Blue, its most popular pattern, Spice O' Life, Wild Flower, Country Festival, Daisy, Friendship, and Starburst.

Rare Pieces

In the 1970s, the company recalled its coffee percolators, so you will not find many of these easily. EBay does not allow sellers to list them because of the recall. Most vintage Corningware does not command very high prices. You can find many pieces below $15, but you might see used percolators for as much as $85.

Using Vintage Corningware

You can use some vintage pieces in the microwave if you remove any metal parts. Do not use pieces with gold leaf, silver leaf or platinum designs. You should also not use Centura dinnerware, glass lids with screws, or pieces with cracks, bubbles or obvious flaws.

Care

Do not use vintage Corningware in an oven above 425 degrees F, put it in the dishwasher, or wash it with lemon dish soap, which will fade the design.

References

• Antiques.lovetoknow.com: Vintage Corningware
• Cableorganizer.com: Fun Facts About the History of Corning

Resources

• Google Products: Corningware Coffee Percolator