Bitter Sweet Wheat - W-57 Deluxe Tea Kettle

This was another one of the "difficult to verify" pieces.   Unlike the W-23-EP percolator, however, I actually knew this one existed.  I guess that would make it more of a "difficult to get my grubby hands on" piece.   Posession of this piece has taunted me for years.  I had been SO close; and yet so far.  I had no idea how many were floating around out there.   I discovered the existence of this piece on eBay in May of 2014.  It was located in Wisconsin, but I went ahead and purchased it (shipping was a little cheaper back then)  Sadly, the trip to Oregon did not go well....

at...

all...

 (sigh)

Even though the seller issued a full refund, I was very depressed about it.  I would much rather have had the piece.

After much searching (almost 3 years of searching), another one finally appeared... This one only had to travel from Lacey, Washington and arrived completely intact.  WHEW!

This piece is more often found in Blue Cornflower but, surprisingly enough, appears to be the most common in the Cookmates version (TK-2) with the flat ground bottom.  Don't ask me why.

Where is your Corning Ware??
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More Sweet Wheat - Wheat W-23-EP Percolator

As I have mentioned before, the old story about "Wheat" being the initially intended pattern for Corning Ware, and how the pattern was not ready for production so the Cornflower was used instead, has long been shown to not hold any water.  (because there are blue wheat prototypes out there - it's possible the enamel color wasn't "ready")   The "limited number of pieces" claim has also been refuted several times.  This percolator's existence only backs up the fact that "small number of pieces" is completely false.

Though I admit, I have been searching for some trace of it's production for several years....  3 actually showed up within a 1 month span on eBay....   So it's not a "one of" scenario.   Just as the W-53 Self-Timing saucepan proved that Wheat had been in production from at least 1963 (the only year those were made); the existence for the 1st generation Electromatic Percolator W-23-EP (Along with its other 1sts gen brethren; Trefoil P-13-EP and Cornflower P-23-EP) proves that wheat could have been in production as early as the fall of 1961.

Though not as common as the latter model (P-80-EP and P-6-EP from 1966-1972) let it be known that these older percolators DO, in fact, exist.

Please note, that the cord to this percolator is not original.  Unlike the later P-80-EP, P-6-EP and E-1210 percolator models that have proprietary cords, these 1st Generation models (P-23-EP, P-13-EP & W-23-EP) used a standard appliance cord that can be purchased at just about any hardware store, even today - Part # 30123

Where is your Corning Ware??
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Amber Waves of Grain - My W-Series Wheat Collection

The Wheat pattern seems to be an enigma.  Stories abound about how this was the original design in tended to grace the sides of Corning Ware pieces, but the final design wasn't ready, so the Cornflower took it's place in 1958 and stuck.  Most of these stories end with the fact that the Wheat pattern was revisited years later and released to a limited market (Bon Marche stores in the Pacific NW) in a limited number of pieces for only couple of years before it was discontinued again.

I am not buying this story anymore.

I have found WAY too many pieces that prove that production of this pattern began in 1963 (possibly 1962) and lasted at least until 1969, but more likely all the way through to 1971.  I also do not believe the pattern was restricted to the West Coast, since I see a LOT of Wheat pieces being sold on eBay and Etsy that are located in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida or New York.

Unlike other patterns printed on traditional square Corning Ware pieces, Wheat has it's own model designation (W-series vs. P-series), though the handle lugs are the same size as the P-series pieces.  To date I have never found a piece in the Wheat pattern with A-series sized lugs (1972).

This is my Wheat collection as of October 2014....   It is still not complete, as there are several pieces I know exist, but still need to track down.

The Basic Cookware Pieces.....

Back-left:  W-2 1/2-B (2 1/2 quart Saucepan) with W-17 (2 quart Double Boiler insert), W-10-B (10 inch Skillet), W-16-B (11 inch Skillet), W-34-B (4 quart Dutch Oven)
Front-left: W-1 3/4-B (1 3/4 quart Saucepan), W-1-B (1 quart Saucepan), W-4-B (1 1/2 quart Baker), W-1 1/2-B (1 1/2 quart Saucepan)

The Menu-ettes and Petites.....

Top-left: W-81-B (1 pint Saucepan), W-82-B (1 1/2 pint Saucepan), W-83-B (6 1/2 inch Skillet)
Top-right: W-41-B (12 oz), W-43-B (22 oz) both with P-41-PC (Plastic Cover)

The Bakeware and Misc. (which gives me a potential end date for the pattern)

Back-left: W-105 (8 cup Teapot), W-103 (3 cup Teapot)
Back-center: W-309 (9 inch pie plate), W-322 (8 inch Baker), W-35 (Broil and Bake Tray)
Back-right: W-65-B (2 quart Saucemaker), W-64-B (1 quart Saucemaker)
Not Pictured - W-104 (6 cup teapot) which is still in a box mixed with other things and not labeled so I have not been able to find it.

The P-309 Pie Plate (back center) was released in 1967 while the P-322 Square Baker (middle center) was not released until 1968.

The Electromatics (These give me the beginning date for the pattern)

Back-left: P-12-ES with W-22 Skillet (flat ground W-16), W-6-EP (6 cup Percolator), W-53 (Self Timing Saucepan with flat ground W-4)
Front-center: W-54 (Immersible Warming Tray)

The P-53 Self-Timing Saucepan (right) gives me the beginning date for this pattern, as it was only available in 1963.  Granted, the Electromatic Skillet P-12-ES (left) was released in 1962, so it is possible that the pattern was released earlier, but the Saucepan proves that the pattern was in production in '63

There are several other pieces that I know exist, but do not have in my possession for one reason or another.  The 4 quart Sauce pot (W-84-B) and Deluxe Tea Kettle (W-57) I purchased were both broken during shipping.  I have found every one of the Open Roasters (W-332, W-21 & W-76) as well as the "Well & Tree" Roasting Tray (W-19) and the Loaf Pan (W-315) at one time or another at the Thrift Stores, but each time I found one of these pieces, it had a big chip taken out of the rim, so I left them.  I have seen the 8 inch Round Cake dish (W-321) in an antique store, but it was WAY too expensive.  There are also 2 stove top Percolators (W-116 & W-119) and the 10 cup Electromatic percolator (W-80-EP).  All of them are on the "recall list" because of their epoxied stainless steel rims. 

There are several potential pieces that were possibly made during the Wheat Timeline (1962-1969) though none have been confirmed as of yet.  These items would include such pieces as the original W-504 & W-508 Beverage Servers from 1965 or the original 10 cup Electromatic Percolator (W-23-EP) which was discontinued in 1966 in lieu of the W-80-EP.


Where is your Corning Ware??
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Update:  10/09/2014...   Yes, 6 days after writing this post, I found a W-19 "Well & Tree" Roasting Tray (that wasn't chipped)....

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Update:  12/31/2014...   More additions to the collection (Santa was kind this year).  W-321 cake dish (8 inch round), W-9-B Skillet (9 inch), W-315 Bread Dish and the large W-76-B Open Roaster.

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Update:  4/4/2015...  Newest additions to the Wheat family of pieces.  The W-116 percolator (6 cup) sits next to the W-119 percolator (9 cup) and both sit in the P-21-B Open Roaster.  Next is the large 4 quart Sauce pot (W-84-B) which thankfully arrived unbroken this time.... and right down in front, the little 7 inch Skillet (W-7-B)

Update: 5/6/2015....  At first, I was just excited that I got my hands on a P-332 Oblong Baker...

THEN, this other beauty showed up in the world...   Yes!

And thanks to Karen in Seattle, it has now come to join my collection.   The W-910-B... This means I can push the Wheat production as late as 1970 (the year these were released), possibly 1971.

As to whether this means there is a W-908-B (8 1/2 inch skillet) out there, I am not sure....  That size did not come out until the spring of 1972 and was only available for a VERY short time.  By Fall of that year, the A-series hit the market.  That being said, though it is very unlikely for the W-908 to exist, I must concede that anything is possible when it comes to Corning Ware. (I have learned my lesson) 

Only 1 more confirmed piece to go...  The W-57 Deluxe Tea Kettle.

Now, as far as UNconfirmed pieces go... The W-23-EP 1st generation Electromatic Percolator (10 cup), a W-124 Stove top percolator (4 cup), a W-85 flat ground bottomed 4 quart Sauce pot and the Beverage Servers (W-504 & W-508) may all exist.   But, as I said, all of these  pieces remain unconfirmed at this point.
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Wonderfully Winsome Wheat - My W-Series Wheat Menu-ette Set

Yes, it is official now.   The Corning Ware Menu-ette Set was manufactures in the infamous Wheat pattern.  I have tracked down all three of them over the last few months.  It all began with the W-81 (the 1 pint P-81-B menu-ette) that I found in Medford, OR.   The "hunt" began, though I was worried that it may have just been a promotional piece and that the full set have never been produced.

Success!

It is interesting to note, that the W-81 & W-82 both have the 1960s marks on them.....

While the skillet has the later 1970 mark on it with the little Cornflower and "For Range & Microwave" added.

This only shows that the Wheat pattern lasted at least until 1970... though not past 1972 when the A-Series began.  Since none of the books mention a definitive timeframe of production, nor do they list which pieces were produced.  Wheat is still kind of an enigma.

Where is your CorningWare??
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This Ain't Your Mamma's Wheat Pattern - Gold Wheat? Green Wheat? Avocado Wheat? Harvest Wheat? Wheat Sheaf? Wheat Floral?

I have become the proud owner of a mystery.  As you may know by now, my favorite pattern is Corning's Wheat pattern. (that was suppose to be the original design)

The Wheat pattern, while loosing out in favor of the Cornflower in Corning's haste to get their product to market, was eventually revisited in the mid to late 60s, but no later than 1971 when the shape of Corningware as modified and the A-series was born; for there are no A-series Wheat pieces of which I am aware.  That being said, it has come to my attention that there was ANOTHER wheat pattern.

When I originally saw the P-21 Roaster on eBay over a year ago, I just assumed that it was a test pattern. (There were A LOT of test patterns)  As far as I know, test patterns weren't produced in full sets and more than likely consisted of 1 piece.  Thus, I made note of it, but pretty much ignored it, since it wasn't an actual pattern.

 (Photo courtesy of an eBay listing by )

Well, I stand corrected.  I am now in possession of a 1 3/4 quart saucepan (P-1 3/4-B) in the pattern and.........

I know someone who possesses a 1 quart saucepan (P-1-B).  (Thanks for letting me use your picture Heather!)

Evidently this really WAS a pattern, however, is no documentation ANYWHERE on the name.  I have seen it referred to as "Green Wheat", "Avocado Wheat", "Gold Wheat", "Wheat Floral" or "Harvest Wheat".  Personally, since I collect "Wheat", I like to refer to this as "Wheat Sheaf".

It is a strange color, not quite the same taupe-ish color of the J.C. Penney exclusive pattern....

Nor as Avocado-y as the Avocado Medallion.

It's most definitely not as brown as the official "Wheat" pattern. (which also appears on Pyrex in blue, BTW)

I think of it as a kind of a weird greenish gold color.....  It changes shade, depending on the other colors around it.  All in all, it's very odd.  I like it though.  It kind of suits my own weird, odd and strange nature.  It's interesting and different, unlike most of the other patterns of the time.  The wheat stalk count seems to change depending on the size of the piece.  The official Wheat pattern doesn't do that and neither do Trefoil nor Cornflower.  Though Cornflower changes to a vertical orientation on Percolators and has a few "leaflet" anomalies here and there. 

If anyone has any information on this pattern, such as official name, pieces made, or time frame, I would greatly appreciate it.  

As of 07-28-2022, the name of this pattern has been revealed as "Avocado Wheat" available exclusively to Atlantic Richland Company card holders (ARCO gas) around 1970.

Where is your Corningware??

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Wordless Wednesday With the Wonderful World of Wheat

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Wordless Wednesday - I Think That I Shall Never See, A Poem Lovely as a P-53, with a W-4-B and a P-4-C; Somebody Stop Me!

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A Moment of Silence

Corningware is tough as nails, but it's still not impervious to misuse or mishandling.

It all started on eBay.....

Normally, I do not buy Corningware pieces on eBay.  They tend to be heavy, so the shipping cost becomes a big factor.  I could not resist the 4 quart Saucepan (P-84-B) in Wheat for only 7 dollars, however.  Even though the shipping was a little bit on the steep side, I still couldn't help myself...  I kind of loose my head when Wheat is involved. 

I was doing research for a piece that *I* was listing....  A 1 Quart Saucemaker in the Wheat pattern, that was when I saw it.  A beautiful 4 quart P(W) series Saucepot (fairly uncommon to begin with) and in my favorite pattern...   It was SO inexpensive that I didn't even care that it came with an "A" series lid (which is totally wrong). Usually the prices on Wheat pieces are insanely high, to the point of stupidity...   Wheat is fairly Uncommon, but not Rare enough to warrant some of the pricing I see on pieces.  It's not like it's Renaissance, Nature's Bounty, Avocado Medallion or Platinum Filigree.  Sheesh!

Anyway, I placed the low bid, because I just could not pass up a 7 dollar bargain when other pieces, like the 4 quart Dutch oven, are being listed for 59 bucks (which is a perfect example of stupid expensive).  I was sure that I was going to be outbid, in fact, I expected to be outbid, but I had to place a bid on it anyway, just to see if the piece would slip through unnoticed by any other Wheat lovers.

Well, I ended up winning it.  I was so excited I could hardly contain myself... The anticipation was KILLING me!

It arrived today.......

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(The following pictures are extremely graphic, viewer discretion is advised)

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 1 sheet of bubble wrap, WAY to big of a box and only a small scattering of Styrofoam peanuts...

With the lid simply laid on top.  I would not even call it "Packed", just sort of haphazardly tossed in a box with a mailing label.  I do not know what this person was thinking.  NOTHING would remain in one piece when packed like this.  As strong as Corningware is, it cannot survive being bounced, jostled and smacked around inside a large box with NO padding, experiencing continued impacts with a lid and survive.

Sadly, this Wheat piece's life was cut WAY too short by Criminal Negligence.  I mean, this is 2nd degree Corningware-ocide!

And though it may sound a little weird, (I have been called worse things over the years) I went ahead and cleaned up all the pieces, removing the gray marks and brown stains....   so it looked pristine a beautiful,

before laying it to rest.  That way the Angels will have a clean piece of Corningware to use.  :-(

(sigh)  I would like to take a moment of silence at this point.



































Please do not let this W-84-B's tragic demise be in vain.  PLEASE, pack your Corning Ware well before shipping.  Bubble wrap around the piece and Styrofoam peanuts to fill the box...  A well padded box is a happy box and a safe piece of Corning Ware.  When things move around unrestrained during shipping, they get broke.  It's simple physics.  And let's face it, neither the Post Office nor UPS are known for their gentle handling of packages.  Even if marked as Fragile....  I'm just sayin'

That's two pieces broken for me now. (I lost a 10 inch Gourmet Skillet back in 2008 - I received a box of glass shards, because it had no padding) In both cases, the Sellers were more than willing to refund the money, which is always a satisfactory outcome in these situations, but I will probably never find another 4 quart Sauce pot in Wheat for THAT price ever again.  Total bummer.  (I have never found another 10 inch Gourmet Skillet either)

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me... I will NEVER buy another piece on eBay again.

Where is your Corning Ware?? (This piece is in Heaven)
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Drip Drop Drip Little Coffee Showers - Corningware Drip Coffee Maker

I originally posted this July 7th 2009 on Culinary Alchemy.  It pre-dates the creation of Corningware 411, but I feel that it should be included here due to it's particular subject matter.  It will continue to reside on Culinary Alchemy in it's original form, since it was part of the "Coffee Talk" series, but I have revised it just little before posting it on here.  I have recently discovered, through my research for this site, that the term "Drip-O-Lator" is a registered trademark of Enterprise Aluminum Company.  Thus I have removed all references to this product.  I did, however, choose to leave my comments regarding Percolated Coffee intact.... It was 4 years ago after all, and though I have changed my tune a little since then, it's STILL not my preferred method of brewing.  What can I say, I am a hard core Vacuum Pot & French Press guy.  That's just the way it is.

But enough of that.... Here are the instructions for usage of a Corningware Drip Coffee Maker (P-114).......

July 7th, 2009
Coffee – a dessert time beverage for some, a ritual of friendship for others, and a morning necessity for almost everyone else. It’s one of the hottest commodities on the planet, only shadowed by crude oil. I was originally preparing an exposé on Coffee, but once I started looking around the net I realized this approach has been done a million times already and there really isn’t anything of value I could add to the superfluity of information available. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…… Let’s get a little more specific…

I am going to talk about brewing methods… I have several available to me, for I am one of the people who fall into all three categories… It is a dessert essential, a joy when congregating with friends and the necessary catalyst for my morning transformation from “swamp thing” to a human being.

For this first method, we are going to have to travel back in time to a dark point in American coffee culture… the 1960s…. a time when the sinister percolator ruled the household and mud was served daily… and even worse… people liked it. (shudder) It truly was a bleak time in American history. The percolator is the worst possible way to make coffee for several reasons.

• The water can, and usually does, boil– This is too hot for proper extraction and makes for acidic highly caffeinated coffee.
• Once the extraction begins, the water saturated with “coffee” is heavier and falls to the bottom of the percolator, reheated to a boil and in effect burnt… then it ends up being shoved back up through the tube, to run back through the grounds again… Blech! (shudder)

Repeat after me…. Percolator is BAD….. (OK, maybe not SO bad)

But dawn was breaking in the mid 60s… It was not the messiah of coffee brewing, but it was a step in the right direction… for the theory is similar to that of espresso… One pass through the grounds.   In 1965 Corningware released a new gizmo for coffee preparation…. The Drip Coffee Maker. Now this is not to say they were responsible for a “Star Turn” in the saga of coffee extraction methods. That was already the province of Italy where Espresso was already being pulled from beautifully crafted machines. But, America was “waking up” to the realization of what coffee could be…

What the heck is a Corningware Drip Coffee Maker you ask? Well, it’s basically a manual version of what most people set every night before going to bed. (P-114)

It comes in several parts… So let's begin and I’ll walk ya through it.

First, water must be heated in the kettle (P-114-B or P-104) on the stove to between 200 and 205 degrees. NEVER use boiling water for coffee… not even with a French Press (Future post)

Meanwhile, place coffee in the bottom receptacle (I use about 1.5 TB per cup for drip)

The glass bowl screws down onto the bottom receptacle. (P-114-U)

Now this little plunger thing (flow control valve) prevents the water from flowing from the glass bowl into the coffee ground receptacle.

Once the water is ready, carefully pour the hot water into the glass bowl. (P-114-U)

Place the whole assembly into the pot. (P-114-B or P-104)

Pull the plunger to allow the water to drip through the grounds

and into the pot below. (P-114-B or P-104)

After about 4 minutes, (I usually whistle a little tune while I am waiting)

you have yourself a pot full of coffee.

Ah…

with just a little half and half to create a “Paper Bag Brown” color…

Awesome!!!

In case you are curious... The particular pattern (Wheat) on my tea/coffee pot was originally planned as the standard design for Corningware, but in the company's haste to get the product to market, the cornflower was used instead and it eventually became the brand symbol of Corningware. Later, the wheat pattern was revisited and released on a limited number of pieces (I have seen a pie plate on eBay and I have a 4 quart roaster)

Cin Cin!!
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Where is your Corningware??
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