Collecting Corning Ware is kind of a misnomer. Though I often say it myself, in essence what I really do is more of a "rescue" than actual collecting. That being said, I kind of collect the Wheat pattern, but then again, not really, cause I use it. (
though not as much as my Cornflower and my French White) What is it that really constitutes "collecting" and a "collection"? Is it some invisible line that is crossed? What makes something a collectable? Does it hinge upon it's value? Is it tied to demand? If there is only 1 of something, but no one really cares about it or desires to have it, then is it worth anything?
Perspective: Gold is only valuable because it is a rare metal and people desire to have it. Iridium is significantly rarer than gold, yet worth about 3/4 as much due to the lack of demand for it.
Collecting, by definition, simply means "to bring together in a group or mass" or "to accumulate as a hobby or for study", which kind of fits, since I bring pieces together into a mass that fills every nook and cranny of my kitchen. It has become a hobby, of sorts, since I hit every single thrift store that I see. (
which drives everyone I know absolutely bonkers) There is also some element of "study" involved, as I try to track down a pattern or figure out dates and contemplate mystery pieces. But I still don't really like to call it a collection or what I am doing collecting.
What makes a "collectable", well, collectable? I think of "collectables" as being things that are placed on a shelf together to be observed and admired, but not ever touched. Hummel figures are an excellent example. Another would be my mother's English Bone China Tea Cups. Granted, she has some cups that she
does use fairly frequently, but most of them sit on little mahogany cup shelves to be admired from a distance. This is because they are either extremely old (
pre-1900), extremely rare or just extremely valuable. That is a lot of extreme-lies.
In the case of Corning Ware, it is neither particularly old, particularly rare, nor is it particularly valuable. That's a lot of particularities. There are
many sellers on eBay who would love
all of us who are interested in amassing pieces, for cooking purposes, to believe that it IS a rarity and thus worth the small fortune they keep asking for their pieces. But in actuality, it's really just not that valuable. Sorry eBay sellers. I can walk into a thrift store and buy that 2 quart (A-2-B) saucepan for 3 bucks and a lid for .99 cents, so I am not going to pay you $34.99 and $12.00 to ship. Not gonna happen my friend, so get over it.
Now that I have totally slammed 90% of the Corning Ware sellers on eBay, that is not to say that some of the patterns aren't rare. BUT, most of the "rare" patterns are the later ones through the mid to late 90's. Consequently, though there weren't as many pieces made, they are only about 20 years old tops; most are significantly younger. That really doesn't move Corning Ware into a "collectable" status, nor into "collectable" prices. I'm just sayin'.
That is why I like this first book in particular. It notes, at the very beginning of the book, that Corning Ware is really not old enough nor rare enough to warrant being considered an actual "Collectable"; at least, not yet.
I had distinct pleasure of meeting Debbie and Randy at the Portland Antiques Expo in 2010. They were fascinating to talk to and their booth was overflowing with Pyrex and Corning Ware. I will say that Pyrex opal glass is kind of a phenomenon... There were SO many casserole and mixing bowl patterns that were released and then discontinued almost immediately that it has created a collecting frenzy. Personally, I love
Opal Pyrex.
but back to Corning Ware.....
It was from Debbie and Randy that I learned about the book they had released back in 2008, attempting to document the patterns of Corning Ware. (
Cause inquiring minds want to know) Randy and Debbie have also written multiple books on other types of collectable glass such as Heisey and Fenton elegant glass. Both of which, though from the same era, are not the same as Depression glass (
they wrote a book about that too)
My only issue with the book, is not really an issue per-se. There is just no possible way that ANY book on a product like Corning Ware is going to be able to get everything in it. There are too many weird test market pieces, strange patterns and promo items that really and truly are a rarity and actually HARD to find as well as being poorly documented on Corning's part. This was why I was so perplexed about my 1 pint Saucemaker; for it isn't mentioned in either book that I own, but it can be found on the Corning Museum of Glass site a the P-5 - with a lot of masking tape. There are several patterns missing from the book such as Autumn Meadow, American Oil, Pink Trio, Farm Fresh and Peach Garland. While Classic Black and French White are in there, including the blue and gold trim, there is no mention of French Bleu or French Bisque. They did get the Casual Elegance line into the book though, which even I tend to forget about, but "French White II?" is missing as well. (
That's another post)
Which brings me to book #2 by Kyle Coroneos (
2005)
This book is slightly older, and doesn't deal with pattern dating as much as it does with the actual pieces that were produced. Being shapes, sizes and materials, (
i.e. the switch from Pyroceram lid to clear borosilicate lid to tempered lime glass lid) as well as covering Visions cookware to some extent. (
which the previous book does not)
Both offer prices for pieces, but both are pre-recession, so take the pricing with a grain of salt. Honestly, I think most of them should be dropped by about 25-30%. But, that is just my opinion.
There are also two web sites that I enjoy consulting immensely and have learned many things from both.
BlueCornflower.com is a study of all things of the Cornflower persuasion, both P series and A series pieces. There is also a section for all those Spice o' Life lovers out there as well as a section on Microwave Browner/Crispers. Don't ever fear getting lost among the pages though, for either Hamlette, Spamlette, Porkchop & Petunia or Piglet will be there to guide you through the site.
The second site I enjoy visiting, and the one that tuned me into the existence of Centura Cornflower, is
CorelleCorner.com. Though primarily a site for Corelle lovers, due to the crossover of several patterns between Corelle, Corning Ware and even Centura, there is some fascinating information on these as well as some Pyrex and Suprema products. All meticulously compiled from brochures and corporate materials. This site truly rocks.
Sadly, Corelle Corner is no longer alive and well on the net.
So with 2 books and several sites, including Corningware411, dedicated to items of the Corning Ware persuasion, does that make it a collectable? Do you consider Corning Ware to be an actual "collectable"? Do you consider yourself a collector of Corning Ware? Do you use what you collect, or is it merely for decorative display with your vintage kitchen theme? Do you collect more than 1 pattern? (
I do this myself) Is this really all just open to interpretation?
Where is your Corning Ware (
collection) ??
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Turn to the left.....
Now turn to the right......
I must say, that is some seriously sexy retro-chic right there. Eat your heart out Mad Men.
Peel and cube the Jicama, and set aside. (make sure when peeling to remove the yellowish fiber layer right below the skin)
Remove the tips and strings from the Snow Peas, and set aside.
Whisk the Tamari, Cornstarch, Orange Zest and Orange Juice together in a small Pyrex pitcher, and set aside.
Set your Electromatic Skillet to 350F Degrees and add 1 TB Light Olive Oil.
When hot, add the Jicama and the Snow Peas; Stir frying for 1 minute.
Remove from the Skillet and set aside.
Add 1 TB Light Olive Oil to the skillet.
When hot, add 1/2 of the Chicken pieces and saute for 2 1/2 minutes.
Remove the first batch of chicken and set aside.
Saute the remaining chicken for 2 1/2 minutes.
Add the reserved Chicken back to the skillet and heat through.
Slowly stir in the Orange Juice/Tamari mixture.
Reduce the temperature to 300F degrees and cook, stir until thickened and bubbly. (3-5 minutes)
Add the reserved Jicama and Snow Peas, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook for 1 minutes longer; just until the vegetables heat through.
Serve over Rice with a sprinkling of Cashews, if desired.
