While browsing online, a Corning Ware La Marjolaine-looking dish, caught my attention. It is a rare $10,000 item according to the seller.
Years ago, I found a similar piece at a church rummage sale for under $10. Could my casserole dish be a valuable collector’s item?
Before purchasing my casserole dish, I remember looking in stores at the colorful pattern of tomatoes, onions, shallots, artichokes, and herbs.
Brief History of Corning Ware
Corning Ware has a long history going back to July of 1913, when Corning developed glass for the first light bulb.
When the name of Corning Ware comes up, I think of their iconic white casserole dishes with the simple blue cornflower pattern.
Ultimately, the Corning Ware and Pyrex lines were sold to World Kitchen, LLC In 1998, due to decreasing sales and retooling needs of their manufacturing process
Features of Corning Ware Casserole Dishes
First of all, Corning Ware casserole dishes are easy to clean, durable, versatile, non-porous and good-looking.
More importantly, Corning Ware dishes are attractive enough to bake a meal in and then serve it at the dinning room table. Secondly, it also makes for one less dish to wash.
Lastly, Corning Ware pieces are dishwasher safe and go into the oven from the refrigerator making them real kitchen work and time savers.
Rare Corning Ware Patterns
When doing online research, the following rare Corning Ware patterns came to light. However, I have never seen seen most of these patterns.
- Wildflower Casserole Dish – With a pattern of bright orange poppies.
- Renaissance Casserole Dish – A black and white pattern of ships masts and old buildings like an ancient port of call.
- Atomic Blast Casserole Dish – Large black star burst design on a white dish. Very retro looking.
- Blue Corning Ware Pan/Range Topper – For range top use.
- Le Romarin Spice of Life Casserole dish with the wording “Le Romarin” below the pattern.
- Large Blue Cornflower Casserole Dish – Some have been sold for over $1,000. Look for slanted sides on older pieces. Newer pieces usually have straight up and down sides.
- Spice of Life Casserole Dish but it must have the following three French words on the the dish under the pattern, “Le Chalote”, “La Marjolaine” and “Le Romarin”
Translation of French Wording
- So what does Le Chalote mean in French? The shallots, root vegetables similar to onions.
- What does La Marjolaine mean in French? Marjoram, oregano herb.
- What Does Le Romarin mean in French? Rosemary, an evergreen herb.
What is my Corning Ware Le Marjolaine Dish Worth?
My knowledge of Corning Ware has limits. I’m not sure why there are photographs online of Corning Ware pieces with prices topping the thousands of dollars mark.
A seller can price their item at any price, but that doesn’t mean someone will purchase it.
My two quart casserole dish has a Spice of Life Pattern, complete with a clear lid, and with the markings of “La Marjolaine” under the front and back patterns. It was probably made in from 1972 to 1987. It has the markings A 2 B on it under the handle, (see above photograph).
This item is probably worth anywhere from $25 to $45.
Concluding Remarks
My Corning Ware, La Marjolaine casserole dish made many, many delicious dishes over the years. I love it and it is priceless in my opinion.
Therefore, it’s not for sale even for $10,000.
Wikepedia, justanswersantique.com, rarest.org, www.yourcookwarehelper.com, and www.microwavecookingforone.com were sites used to research today’s blog topic.