Thursday, March 27, 2014

There is Nothing Nouveau Under the Sun - A Princess House Exclusive Arcoflam from France (by ARC)

I have been debating whether or not to post about this, but it IS "Pyroceram", or at least some form of Ceramic Glass Cookware, just like Corning Ware...  

This is Nouveau...   A Princess House Exclusive.

Made even more exclusive by the fact that it is no longer available in the United States at all, and the only piece available in Australia is a 3.5 quart oval baking dish. This piece in particular is the 10 1/2 inch Saute pan... Which is a piece I have always wished was available in the Corning Ware line. 

Made by in France by ARC, International; purveyors of other ARC-centric glassware goods such as Cristal d'Arques (crystal), Luminarc (transparent), Arcoroc (tempered) & Arcopal (opal) and yes, Arcoflam (vitroceram) cookware.  Which just happens to be what is embossed upon the very locking mechanism of the accompanying handle.



So, though Princess House had exclusive rights to this particular design, the actual product is Arcoflam, made of vitroceram in France by ARC, International who also just happens to have exclusive rights to produce Pyrex in Europe.  However, this licensing agreement didn't happen until 2005.


Now, I don't know if ARC owns the infamous Avon, France plant that began producing Pyroflam after the Netherlander plant closed down (who were making Pyrosil and Pyroflam for the European market), because this company is not really based in Avon, but in Arques; as evident from their original company name "Verrerie Cristallerie d’Arques".


Whether this is actually Corning Ware or, like Narumi's Neoceram, the result of the inevitable foray all glass companies make into the realm of ceramic glass, I have no idea.  But I thought it was interesting enough to begin amassing at least a small collection.  After all, though it may, or may not, be Corning's "Corning Ware" it IS ceramic glass, and that alone makes it pretty darned awesome in my book.

The only issue I have at this point is lack of knowledge.  My 1 1/2 quart saucepan and 1 quart casserole are both missing their lids.  Since I think it's safe to assume that they were not as "domed" as the lid for the Saute pan/steamer, that sort of leaves me in the dark as to what they DID look like.

One of the things I like the most about this Nouveau, is how flat the bottoms are, without being "ground" like Corning Ware was.  They are so flat, that when wet, they actually stick to my counter top. 

If anyone has any more information on Princess House Nouveau, please feel free to share.  

Where is your Corning Ware??
~~

Update:  I found an article in the LA Times dates November 20, 1986.... Evidently Arcoflam hit the Main Stream Market at that time.  I still do not know how long it was available from Princess house before this happened.

17 comments:

  1. I used to have a ridiculous amount of Princess House, but don't remember ever seeing this. Good luck in your search for the lids.

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  2. I remember my mom having A LOT of "parties" when I was really young so she could earn points for the stuff she really wanted. Hammersley Bone China Windsor Rose tea set, Esprit Crystal, Fantasia dessert plates. I don't remember this cookware, but that was back in the 70s and I don't know if it was available yet. Once we moved to the farm in '77 she stopped having parties cause we lived too far out in the boonies for that sort of thing. LOL

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  3. I have a few of these pieces: two skillets with domed lids & handles; 1.5 quart saucepan with glass (not domed) and plastic lids. I was a consultant in the '80's and have several pieces still in boxes & the blue cases issued to start ups.

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  4. Joannec, that is so neat! I actually did find, wgat I think, is the proper lid at the goodwill yesterday however, it did not quite fit my 1 1/2 quart. I am assuming it goes to the 2 quart saucepan.

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  5. I have one of these 'nouveau', as pictured at top. I do not have the handle, so if anyone wants this, it can be had for the asking. I live in Papakura, NZ.

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  6. I have a Nouveau 10 1/2 skillet with it original handle and lid. And I start to use it again.

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  7. I have a Nouveau 10 1/2 skillet with it original handle and lid. And I start to use it again.

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  8. The other day I picked up a fry pan. Milk glass white, that says Arcoflam on back. I love it!!! I paid $4, and of course now I want more

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  9. I have two saucepans and am about to
    Sell one as I don’t use them. They have been in our RV but didn’t get used much in there, either. I can’t seem to part with both- lol

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  10. i have several of these pots can i use on a glass top stove

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    Replies
    1. Yes.. Princess House Nouveau has the same properties as Corning Ware, so it is safe for stovetop use.

      Delete
  11. I own the full set of pots with the glass & plastic lids - best cookware ever! It can be used on the stovetop (has or electric), in the oven, microwave & refrigerator, as well as looking elegant enough to use at the dinner table.

    I have an extra 2-3/4 qt. & 1 qt. sauce pans without with any kids or handles, if anyone is interested in starting or adding to their collection.

    Found most this f my pieces at thrift stores, consignment & resale shops. Quite a few pieces, including handles, are often for sale on eBay, Mercari & Poshmark. The plastic lids are the most difficult to find.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I own the full set of pots with the glass & plastic lids - best cookware ever! It can be used on the stovetop (has or electric), in the oven, microwave & refrigerator, as well as looking elegant enough to use at the dinner table.

    I have an extra 2-3/4 qt. & 1 qt. sauce pans without with any kids or handles, if anyone is interested in starting or adding to their collection.

    Found most this f my pieces at thrift stores, consignment & resale shops. Quite a few pieces, including handles, are often for sale on eBay, Mercari & Poshmark. The plastic lids are the most difficult to find.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I own the full set of pots with the glass & plastic lids - best cookware ever! It can be used on the stovetop (has or electric), in the oven, microwave & refrigerator, as well as looking elegant enough to use at the dinner table.

    I have an extra 2-3/4 qt. & 1 qt. sauce pans without with any kids or handles, if anyone is interested in starting or adding to their collection.

    Found most this f my pieces at thrift stores, consignment & resale shops. Quite a few pieces, including handles, are often for sale on eBay, Mercari & Poshmark. The plastic lids are the most difficult to find.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I own the full set of pots with the glass & plastic lids - best cookware ever! It can be used on the stovetop (has or electric), in the oven, microwave & refrigerator, as well as looking elegant enough to use at the dinner table.

    I have an extra 2-3/4 qt. & 1 qt. sauce pans without with any kids or handles, if anyone is interested in starting or adding to their collection.

    Found most this f my pieces at thrift stores, consignment & resale shops. Quite a few pieces, including handles, are often for sale on eBay, Mercari & Poshmark. The plastic lids are the most difficult to find.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Does the Princess House Nouveau 10.5" skillet with the lid oven safe to 450F or higher? Planning to bake bread in it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have had the complete 9 piece set of Arcoflam from 1992 and they still serve me very well. I had a misfortune of having the lid for 10" oval baking dish. Wish I knew just where I could order one from. Suggestions are welcome.

    ReplyDelete

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