The Distinctive CorningWare Pattern From The '70s Collectors Still Hunt For

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While most vintage CorningWare patterns ended up in people's kitchens by means of traditional retail, the Medallion pattern was a slightly different story. This unconventional bakeware started out as a promotion for Shell Oil that was never actually sold in stores. Instead, this standalone collection was offered through the company between 1972 and 1974. Thanks to its short promotional run, there aren't as many Medallion pieces floating around today as the more widely released patterns, making it something collectors are happy to find.

Noted for its distinctive medallion motif comprised of crisscrossing linework on a plain white dish, this bakeware will be immediately recognizable to any aficionado. The symbol — which comes in two distinctively 1970s colors, either an avocado green or a cool blue — is referred to by some sellers as a macrame medallion, an equally 1970s reference. Unlike many other CorningWare releases, this pattern did not come with an accompanying matching dinnerware, so you'll only need to be on the lookout for bakeware with this pattern. These include petite pans, casseroles, skillets, loaf pans, and open roasters.

When it comes to your own search for CorningWare Medallion pieces, Etsy, eBay, and Ruby Lane are all good places to start, as there are pretty regular listings for these dishes across all three sites. You'll want to use keywords such as "Shell Oil" and "Medallion" in your search, because the pattern turns up under multiple different names. You should also examine the photos closely to make sure you've found the correct pattern. As for prices, these vary widely depending on the size of dish and whether or not it comes with the original glass lid, but most listings on Etsy fall roughly between $16 and $48.

Because the pattern appeared on such a wide variety of dish types, it's worth knowing the model numbers when you start your search. Listings include series P-41-B, A-8-B, P-83-B, P-315-B, and P-332. If you do find a casserole dish, make sure the clear glass lid comes with it to avoid having to search for a replacement. It's also a good idea to verify that the dish is genuine CorningWare. Flip it over and check for the company imprint on the bottom — by the year of the Medallion's release, these stamps were printed rather than embossed, and included the model number. They may have also featured the words "For Range & Microwave."