The Whimsical Vintage CorningWare Pattern You'd Be Thrilled To Find At A Thrift Store

CorningWare, the companion brand to Corning's Pyrex and Corelle dinnerware collections, is known for its pioneering Pyroceram material, a fusion of glass and ceramic that can go in the oven, freezer, and on the stovetop, weathering drastic temperature changes without shattering or cracking. The brand is also known for its iconic patterns, from the classic Cornflower Blue to the rustic Country Festival. Whether you're a newbie collector or have been at it for a while, here's another CorningWare pattern to keep an eye out for when thrifting: Wildflower.

Introduced in 1977 and produced until 1985, Wildflower is one of the CorningWare signature patterns. With its orange, blue, yellow, and pink flowers, the design evokes fields of wildflowers at the height of spring. It was one of the brand's most popular designs in the early 1980s and remains in demand with collectors today. While Wildflower was in production, Corning made a variety of dishware with the pattern, from the brand's signature square casserole dishes to saucepans and skillets. Other pieces featuring the pattern included a 6-cup coffee pot, a glass cutting board, aka "Counter Saver," and single-serving "Fast Food" containers, designed for use in the microwave. The pattern was popular enough that it had coordinating dinnerware made by Corelle.

If you're a collector on a budget, here's some good news — the pattern, while appealing, isn't one of the most valuable vintage Corning Ware patterns. In fact, most pieces featuring Wildflower are reasonably priced. While there are outliers and sellers trying to get the big bucks, you can get your hands on a one-quart casserole dish for around $15 or a 6-cup coffee pot for the same price. Rarer pieces, like a Counter Saver trivet and cutting board, often sell for more, around $55 or $60.

Before you decide to purchase a piece with the Wildflower pattern, inspect it closely, looking for signs of damage. Corning Ware is strong stuff, but since some pieces are nearly 50 years old in some cases, chips and scratches are a possibility. The great news is that, often, those scratches can be removed with a bit of scrubbing and the right cleaning product.

Metal marks on the inside of the dishware are usually from utensils and may be removed with Bar Keeper's Friend or a cleaner made for glass cooktops. Chips are a different story, though, and you may want to avoid if possible, as they affect the looks of the dishware. Speaking of damage, if you want to keep your Wildflower pieces looking pristine and don't want to break out the scrubbers on a regular basis, your best bet is to use them for display only.