The Iconic Blue And White Vintage Dishware You'd Love To Find Thrifting

Ahoy, treasure hunters at the thrift store! There's a dish set to keep an eye out for that is as blue as the sea and as white as the Cornish clouds. At least, that's what Cornishware vintage ads claim. The brand Cornishware is a unique find, and one that will brighten any kitchen shelf. 

The iconic striped design instantly marks it as Cornishware, its motif simple but striking. Bold electric blue (also known as e-blue) and white stripes circle the collection of bowls, pitchers, plates, and containers that boast the name of the contents in big, black lettering. It makes storing rice or vinegar on an open shelf easy to find, and attractive to display. 

Cornishware differs from CorningWare, but it's easy to get the two confused. They both have patterns in blue and white, and the similar moniker makes it easy to switch the two up. (And CorningWare dishes are also an exciting thrift store find, especially rare patterns.) But Cornishware (lowercase "w" and "ish" in the name) is more rare stateside, since it wasn't as widely marketed here, while CorningWare (capital "W" and "ing" after corn) is an American brand and a 1950s household casserole staple. Cornishware comes from the Cornwall region of England, and was popular in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, but not as many dishware pieces made it across the states. Valuable kitchenware brands that are not Pyrex or CorningWare are often overlooked, so you may be the lucky thrifter to snag one of these special pieces. 

Thrifters searching for vintage Cornishware need to keep an eye out for a few clear indicators of its authenticity. First off: the iconic stripes. Other brands have copied the striped patterns, but the distinct e-blue and all-caps lettering is a hint that it's a true original. Second, check the bottom. There will be a stamp on the bottom of Cornishware dishware that features a shield and the brand name diagonally across in bold letters. It will include T.G. Green & Co. at the top, the original creator of the brand. An alternative stamp has the T.G. Green name with an image of a church (Church Gresley in England, according to the Cornishware site). 

Look for pieces beyond plates and saucers. It is the containers that are harder to find. Individual  containers, like a Cornishware lidded storage jar, can go for $60. Other dishware is sold online on places like eBay, with prices varying from $25 for a plate or $50 for a set of dessert bowls. If reselling is your thing, collectors looking to finish their sets may pay for the piece found at your local secondhand shop. Searching for a valuable item is half the fun, so while you're hunting for Cornishware, keep an eye out for other vintage dinnerware pieces at an estate sale or thrift store.