How to Tell If Pyrex is Vintage?
- Glass Markings. Inspect your pyrex piece while paying attention to any chips, glass markings, stamps, or logos. Ancient...
- Inventory Number. Some casserole bowls and dishes have inventory numbers stamped at the bottom. You can use the sequence...
- Patterns and Colors. Pyrex pieces made between 1915 and the mid-1940s were of clear glass.
Full Answer
What to look for when buying vintage Pyrex?
Most people who like vintage Pyrex will usually opt for colorful designs or patterns. This way, it can match their kitchen décor and still give them that traditional kitchen style. If you’ve had your mind on getting vintage Pyrex, here are some patterns to look out for.
What was the last color Pyrex pattern to be made?
Photo by Cristi Shawn Threet. Colonial Mist was the last of the colored Pyrex patterns before production ended in 1986. A huge sincere thank-you to all our Facebook & Instagram fans who contributed photos from their lovely Pyrex collections!
How can you tell the age of Pyrex opal glass kitchenware?
Estimating the age of Pyrex opal glass kitchenware can most often be done by observing a few basic characteristics. While colors and styles of decoration reflected consumer tastes at the time of production, the first thing to look at is the backstamp.
How do I Find my Pyrex Ware model number?
Each shape and size of Pyrex Ware was assigned a model number, which is typically embossed somewhere on the piece. Look for it above the trademark on bowls and dishes, and on the handles or rims of lids.
How can I tell how old my Pyrex is?
Use the glass markings, stamps, and logos on the pieces themselves to identify when the glass was produced. The oldest Pyrex markings should be on the bottom of glass pieces and feature Pyrex in all capital letters inside a circle with CG for Corning Glassworks.
Which vintage Pyrex is worth money?
Patterned Pyrex—such as the 1956 Pink Daisy or the 1983 Colonial Mist—also tend to be valuable as a collector's item. Some patterned collections, like the 1959 Lucky in Love heart and four-leaf clover design, have been valued as high as $4,000 for one bowl.Mar 17, 2020
How do you tell the difference between old and new Pyrex?
1:082:28Old (real) Pyrex vs. New (not) "Pyrex" - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIs made out of borosilicate glass which is the real thing the original Pyrex is borosilicate.MoreIs made out of borosilicate glass which is the real thing the original Pyrex is borosilicate.
What do the numbers on the bottom of Pyrex mean?
Model numbers simply designate a particular size and shape of a piece of Pyrex Ware with no regard to color or decoration. Except for the earliest color ware and a few other pieces, they are molded into the piece itself.
What is the most sought after Pyrex?
10 Most Interesting and Rarest Pyrex Patterns EverTurquoise Diamonds.Starburst (Cinderella Serving Casserole)Pink Stems.Pink Daisy.Orange Butterprint.Golden Gooseberry.Eyes.Barcode.More items...•Jun 24, 2021
What is the most valuable Pyrex pattern?
A highly-coveted pattern, the Atomic Eyes Chip and Dip is the holy grail for some Pyrex collectors. Released in the 1950s, some of the bowls feature a Pyrex stamp while others don't.
What year did Pyrex change?
1998Cooking Light reports that in 1998, the Pyrex brand changed the type of glass used for its U.S. products. The brand first used borosilicate glass, which could withstand thermal shock (i.e., the glass wouldn't shatter due to strong temperature changes).Dec 21, 2019
How do you date Pyrex Flameware?
(Flameware percolators can be dated by their lid knobs -- thinner knobs are earlier -- but covers often get mixed up.) Among the rarer and costlier pieces of vintage Pyrex are Ms.Nov 13, 1993
Are all Pyrex lids marked?
All lids have a number imprinted on the handle. The clear glass lids have a number that corresponds to the size that it fits. For example the lid for the 043 Oval Casserole has 943 stamped in it. The lids that fit the 471/472/473 casseroles has 470 stamped on them.Jun 3, 2010
How old is vintage Pyrex?
Starting in the 1940s, during and after World War II, Corning began courting homemakers with a new line of Pyrex available in a wide range of colors. The first iconic pieces, introduced in 1943, are a set of mixing bowls in classic primary colors — red, blue, green, and yellow.Jul 9, 2021
What is the backstamp on Pyrex?
Backstamps. On the bottom of most every genuine Pyrex opalware article is an embossed set of markings which contains a variety of information. While technically a trademark, it is most often seen referred to as a backstamp. Being embossed rather than incised, and the material being glass, it is obviously molded in rather than stamped.
What color bowls were used in the 1968 Cinderella set?
Lids original to each would also be period correct. The shade of blue on the 1-1/2 pint #401 bowl included in the 1968 revised color combo #400 set is different from that of any previously seen. Since the Cinderella design pieces were first introduced in 1958, they must all date from then or after.
When were clear glass refrigerators made?
Clear glass #500 series refrigerator storage dishes were made both in the late 1940s and in the early 1980s.
What Is Pyrex?
Pyrex clear glassware was introduced by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Inc.) in 1915. At that time, Corning used a special borosilicate glass that resisted the expansion and contraction that occurs during quick, extreme temperature changes. Not only was it exceptional to cook with, the glass was ideal for laboratory glassware and railroad lamps.
What Is Vintage Pyrex Worth?
While a majority of vintage Pyrex pieces can be bought for less than $20, prices can be all over the board. Consider comparing items with an online search. For example, that mixing bowl set of Mom’s sells for $40-$100 on eBay. Look at the completed auctions to see what pieces actually sold for.
Where to Find Vintage Pyrex Bowls
You can find vintage Pyrex just about anywhere. Online resources include eBay, Etsy, Craigslist and Amazon. Locally, check out your Goodwill store and area flea markets. You’ll find vintage Pyrex bowls at antique stores; however, pieces can be a bit pricier there because people understand the value of what they’re selling.
What to Look For
No matter where you purchase vintage Pyrex, inspect it closely. While this can be hard to do online, there are a few things you can look for. Notice any obvious scratches, chips, cracks or stains.
How to Use It
If you’re like me, you value vintage Pyrex for its durability. I still use my grandmother’s Pyrex measuring cup even though the numbers are nearly worn off. My heart is tied to the meals and memories associated with these dishes, and while collectors may gasp, I use them regularly in homage to the cooks that have come before me.
How to Clean Vintage Pyrex
To keep vintage Pyrex looking its best, clean it with warm water and a mild dish soap. If that doesn’t take care of stubborn marks or stains, try using a Magic Eraser (but always test on an inconspicuous area first). And be gentle—no vigorous scrubbing!
How to Store Pyrex
To avoid marring the finish, avoid stacking vintage Pyrex bowls upside down on top of each other. If you have pieces that won’t be used often, store them in boxes with layers of heavy paper between each piece, and store the lids separately. If you keep them out for display, clean and dust them regularly.
How expensive are Pyrex patterns?
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.
What is Pyrex made of?
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.
What color is a 1956 snowflake?
1956 Snowflake. Turquoise is a popular Pyrex color, and Snowflake, also available in white with turquoise snowflakes, shouldn’t be confused with Snowflake Blue. To make matters more complicated, this pattern also comes in the harder-to-find black. Photo by Sylvia Schanche.
When did Pyrex ovenware come out?
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.
What color is Autumn Harvest?
Autumn Harvest comes in both rust-red and orange and was the last pattern made for refrigerator sets. Not to be confused with the promo pattern “Wheat” which features tan on brown. Photo by Cristi Shawn Threet.
Why was Terra discontinued?
Terra originally came in brown and featured a matte finish to resemble earthenware. However, it was discontinued after only a year due to high production costs. Photo by Brad Ruby.
Can you hang around Pyrex?
Vintage Pyrex 101: A Guide to Pyrex. 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, ...
What is a model number on Pyrex?
Model numbers are also useful in that they provide collectors with a common language, a frame of reference, and even a shorthand when speaking about Pyrex ware. Each shape and size of Pyrex Ware was assigned a model number, which is typically embossed somewhere on the piece. Look for it above the trademark on bowls and dishes, ...
Why is model number important for Pyrex?
Model numbers are also useful in that they provide collectors with a common language, a frame of reference, ...
Do colorware pieces have model numbers?
Model numbers did not appear on the earliest color ware pieces. Numbers from older, discontinued pieces were sometimes recycled and used on new, unrelated pieces. Some model numbers have a leading zero, but it does not appear to be significant. On pieces themselves, the model number will sometimes be followed by "-B" on bowls or "-C" on covers.
Does Corning use Pyrex lids?
Corning used Pyrex lids on Corning Ware as well, so a lid marked Pyrex does not necessarily go with a Pyrex dish. Click on the camera icons for a photo or a slideshow.
