You can’t hang around estate sales for very long without eventually running into a piece of Pyrex; for example, a vintage Gooseberry 473 (if you want to get technical). While estate sales aren’t the only places to find vintage Pyrex, they’re a pretty good way to start your search, especially as the Baby Boomers begin to let go of their collections. You can often find better deals at an estate sale than you’ll find online.
Why Vintage Pyrex?
Why not? Part of Pyrex’s popularity is due to the nostalgia factor. Many collectors love Pyrex simply because it reminds them of childhood. Pyrex lover Sylvia Schanche says she inherited pieces from her mother and grandmother and likes using pieces she remembers as a kid growing up in the 60s and 70s. Her vintage Pyrex collection is spread out all over her house because she incorporates her pieces into daily use (known to insiders as “Pyrex in action”).
On the other end of the Pyrex-collecting spectrum is a young, twenty-something Pyrex enthusiast who calls herself PyrexHellcat. PyrexHellcat says she got into the hobby by way of the whole 1950s-muscle car-pinup scene. Her Pyrex collection is just for show, and she changes her displays with the seasons. For her, Pyrex is a way of expressing her unique style.
For still others, the fun of Pyrex is in the thrill of the hunt. (Vintage Jadeite and Fire King have similar followings). Pyrex aficionado Ashley Jennette said she felt a special thrill whenever she walked into a thrift shop and saw a piece of Pyrex “in the wild.”
![5f01b70e5fc11f9aa2abf83d466cb482](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/5f01b70e5fc11f9aa2abf83d466cb482.jpg)
One thing’s certain: whether you’ve been collecting Pyrex for years or are new to the game, you’ll find that (like anything midcentury modern), the demand outweighs the supply. This sudden surge in popularity makes some Pyrex collectors wary. They don’t want demand driving the value of Pyrex up. (Collectors, whether they’re into Pyrex or Star Wars collectibles, are a lot like hipsters: territorial over their “thing,” whatever it is, and always in search of that next cool piece to add to their collection. . . the more obscure the better).
But don’t let the rabid Pyrex junkies scare you off from this throwback hobby. Pyrex hunting and collecting is fun and easy, if you know what to look out for. But first – the facts.
What Is Pyrex?
Pyrex was originally made out of borosilicate glass, which was created to use in science labs because it didn’t expand or contract with heat. In 1915, the glass was sold to Corning Glassware and branded under the new name “Pyrex” which was then used to create all sorts of kitchenware. It’s been popular ever since, even after the 1998 switch from borosilicate to the cheaper and even more thermal resistant tempered glass.
When the clear-glass ovenware debuted in 1915, it was considered a boon to kitchens everywhere because now chefs (and housewives) could keep an eye on their food while it was cooking. By 1922, the Pyrex line featured 22 different pieces that served various purposes.
![pyrex halloween display](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex-Halloween-Display_Vi-R.jpg)
Pyrex Colors
But the colored vintage Pyrex bowls, which debuted in 1947 and lasted well into the 1980s are what collectors go crazy over. These are the sets comprised of colored and opal dishes featuring silkscreened decorative patterns that your grandmother might have used, and they come in various vessels: casserole dishes, space savers, chip ‘n dip sets, nesting mixing bowls, refrigerator sets that include square-shaped stackable containers called “fridgies,” and more. And don’t forget the famous Cinderella bowls, which feature a spout on either side for easier pouring. Patterned Pyrex also came in other kitchen “compatibles,” like butter dishes, carafes, coffee and tea cups, and even dishes.
![Pyrex collection](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Collection_AshleyJennette.jpg)
Pyrex Patterns
While everyone has their favorite Pyrex pattern, the rarer patterns are in higher demand for obvious reasons. Pyrex patterns are classified as Standard or Promotional. Standard patterns were manufactured for at least two years, while promo patterns were only featured on a limited number of pieces for a limited time. As you can imagine, promotional Pyrex patterns can be quite expensive. In fact, the Pyrex pattern that’s the most in demand can go for upwards of $4,000 and is called Lucky in Love. If you ever find one of these pieces, you’ll be lucky indeed.
But even if you don’t find Lucky in Love, you can still luck out with several other Pyrex patterns at estate sales, Etsy, online, and more. Scroll through our Pyrex Pattern Timeline to find your favorite.
*Promotional Pyrex patterns are marked with an asterisk.
1915 Antique Pyrex
![antique Pyrex bottles](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Apothecary-Bottles-2.jpg)
1945 Primary Colors
![Pyrex Primary Mixing Bowls](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Primary-Mixing-Bowls-2.jpg)
1956 Pink Daisy
![Pyrex Pink Daisy casserole dishes](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Pink-Daisy.jpg)
1956 Snowflake
![Vintage Pyrex Snowflake Casserole dish](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Snowflake-2.jpg)
1957 Butterprint
![Vintage Pyrex Butterprint Mixing Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Butterprint-3.jpg)
1958 Gooseberry
![vintage Pyrex Gooseberry casserole dishes](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex-Gooseberry.jpg)
1958 Balloons*
![Vintage Pyrex Balloons Mixing Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Balloons-445.jpg)
1958 Golden Hearts*
![Vintage Pyrex Golden Hearts Casserole dish](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Golden-Hearts-2.jpg)
1958 Rooster Black*
![Vintage Black Rooster Pyrex Space Saver](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Verde-and-Black-Rooster-2.jpg)
1958 Musical Staff*
![Vintage Pyrex Music Staff Space Saver](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Music-Staff-Golden-Pine-2.jpg)
1962 Early American
![Vintage Pyrex Early American pieces](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex-Early-American.jpg)
1963 Town & Country
![Vintage Pyrex Town & Country Mixing Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Town-Country-2.jpg)
1964 Ivy*
![Vintage Pyrex Ivy Mixing Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Ivy-2.jpg)
1964 Terra (Blue)
![Vintage Pyrex Terra Blue](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Blue-Stripes-2.jpg)
1967 Saxony*
![Vintage Pyrex Saxony 476](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Saxony-476.jpg)
1968 Daisy
![Vintage Pyrex Daisy Mixing Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Daisy-2.jpg)
1969 Hearts Scroll/“Celtic Floral”*
![Vintage Pyrex Celtic Hearts Casserole Dish](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Celtic-Hearts-2.jpg)
1971 Friendship
![Vintage Pyrex Friendship Nesting Bowls](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Friendship-2.jpg)
1972 Snowflake Blue
![Vintage Pyrex Garland casserole dish](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Saxony-477.jpg)
1972 Butterfly Gold
![Vintage Pyrex Butterfly Gold Nesting Cinderella Bowls](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Butterfly-Gold-Cinderella-Bowls-2.jpg)
1972 Spring Blossom Green
![Vintage Pyrex Spring Blossom Cinderella Bowls](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IG_Vintage-Pyrex.jpg)
1978 Woodland
![Vintage Pyrex Woodland Casserole Dishes](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Woodland-2.jpg)
1980 Autumn Harvest
![Vintage Pyrex Autumn Harvest Cinderella Bowl](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Autumn-Wheat-2.jpg)
1983 Colonial Mist
![Vintage Pyrex Colonial Mist Casserole Dish](https://estatesales.org/thegoods/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Pyrex_Colonial-Mist-2.jpg)
A huge sincere thank-you to all our Facebook & Instagram fans who contributed photos from their lovely Pyrex collections!
References:
Do you have any photos of vintage Pyrex to add to the timeline? Post them in the comments below!