Chances are you’ve seen this collectible many times and had no idea it was, in fact, a hot item. Whether on an aunt’s table during Thanksgiving, or at a family picnic holding your uncle’s famous potato salad, this pretty dishware is still being used by many households today. Because of its amazing durability, it often outlasts the person who originally purchased it and can readily be found at nearly any thrift store, flea market or antiques store.
Pyrex manufactured many different pieces of kitchen ware starting in the early 1900’s, but their colorful line of casserole dishes, refrigerator dishes and mixing bowls, called Pyrex Colors, are the most distinct and sought after pieces today. These were produced as early as 1947 and continued in popularity well into the 1970’s. Popular colors of the time are reflected in this attractive dishware, with avocado green and golden-yellow utilized in pieces from the late 1960’s and playful primaries taking center stage in pieces made in the 1950’s.
Although you can find dishware that mimics the distinct patterns of vintage Pyrex, finding the real deal is just a bowl flip away. On the bottom of each piece is a marking stating that it is, indeed, an authentic Pyrex piece. After getting to know the colors and patterns sufficiently, most collectors can spot a vintage Pyrex from a mile away. From the tallest shelf to the darkest corners, the playful, rich colors of these dishes call out to those looking for them.
A great deal of Pyrex made to go from oven to fridge were sold with clear glass lids, but the older pieces can seem mismatched with their lids. If you find a piece with a clear lid and it seems a bit wobbly, this is perfectly normal. It doesn’t indicate that the lid is the wrong one for the piece. It has been suggested that the manufacturing process wasn’t as perfected then as it is today, causing the lids to fit a little loosely. While a lidded piece is an excellent find, those without lids are just as collectible, especially if acquiring these for display purposes only.
Retro styles are always in fashion, even in modern kitchens and mixing and matching pieces from different eras can provide a lively display of color that fits into nearly every decorating style. If you love the autumnal colors from the 1970’s, you can stick with pieces from just that period. If you want a more modern display, collecting pieces from different time periods can create a colorful, updated display that plays nicely with today’s color trends. For example, mixing the bright blues, soft pinks and deep yellows from different years creates an attractive visual focal point that is sure to attract compliments from friends and relatives.
The next time you pass by a table with kitchen items for sale, take a good look past the abandoned coffee mugs and outdated discount tableware, and see if you can find a pretty piece of Pyrex for your very own.
