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When it comes to collectibles, you can never truly predict which household items might be worth something one day. Toys and art can often fetch a pretty penny at auction, but other, more practical items can also be worth something to the right collector. Take kitchenware, for instance. Pyrex is one brand that has amassed a loyal following of collectors since its debut in the early 20th century. Today, many vintage Pyrex patterns are now worth a small fortune.
Naturally, Pyrex designs have evolved over the brand’s history, and many collectors still possess a certain sense of nostalgia for patterns that may no longer be in circulation. Parade was curious to know which Pyrex patterns are popular with collectors, so we consulted appraiser and glass specialist Reyne Hirschto get her professional insight.
Throughout her career, Hirsch has had plenty of experience assessing the value of various collectibles. She appeared in 13 seasons of the PBS series Antiques Roadshow and was also a guest appraiser on American Pickers.
Below, Hirsch is sharing her tips for what you should keep in mind while shopping for rare Pyrex sets and dishes. She’s also breaking down nine valuable vintage Pyrex patterns that are worth keeping an eye out for if you’re hoping to add to your collection.
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What Vintage Pyrex Dishes Are Worth Money?
Not sure where to start on your vintage Pyrex collecting journey? Hirsch says patterns are typically more desirable than shapes.
“Pyrex made hundreds of patterns, but some only for short periods of time. Those are the pieces that are the most valuable,” she shares. “Rare or short-run patterns can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.”
Color trends can also make a Pyrex dish more valuable.
“Search for mid-century/modern colors such as turquoise and pink,” she suggests.
Collectors tend to gravitate towards the following Pyrex shapes, per Hirsch: Cinderella bowls, space-saver casserole dishes, complete nesting sets and pieces with original lids.
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What Should You Keep in Mind When Looking for Vintage Pyrex Patterns?
Similar to other collectibles, Pyrex dishes have become more desirable to collectors over time.
“There was a time when you could find vintage Pyrex in every Goodwill and garage sale you went to,” Hirsch tells Parade. “However, what was once your grandmother’s hand-me-down is now something sought after by collectors nationwide. The days of 25-cent price tags are just about gone. If you have decided to collect Pyrex, be prepared to pay top dollar for many of the pieces made, not just a few.”
When you’re hunting for vintage Pyrex pieces, make sure to keep an eye out for potential cracks and chips.
“Even small damage greatly reduces the value of each item. The damaged value is often 10-20% of the value if it was [in mint condition],” she notes.
To take proper care of your vintage Pyrex dishes, Hirsch recommends washing them by hand instead of popping them in the dishwasher and avoiding the microwave.
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9 Vintage Pyrex Patterns That Are Now Worth a Small Fortune
9. Snowflake
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“Made from the 1950s [to the] ’70s, this is a classic repeating snowflake pattern on items in turquoise and white, charcoal and a snowflake blue,” Hirsch says. “Pieces that were available included mixing bowls, and casserole and refrigerator dishes.”
Prices for the collection range from $20 to almost $200.
8. Golden Hearts
Etsy
“Golden Hearts was made as a promotional item from 1958 to 1959,” Hirsch says. “Gold hearts are featured on a cream-colored casserole dish.”
For a complete casserole dish and stand, you’ll typically pay $100 to over $250.
7. Turquoise Diamonds
eBay
“Turquoise Diamonds was very mid-century in design and featured randomly placed turquoise-colored diamonds and a white base. It’s also called the Dainty Maid,” Hirsch explains. “It was produced in the 1950s and was also made as a promotional piece.”
Today, the bowl sells for anywhere between $75 to $380.
6. Pink Gooseberry
“Pink Gooseberry was made from 1957 to 1966 in white with pink leaves and a berry pattern. It was also available in pink with a white pattern,” Hirsch says.
The pattern, which was made in an array of bowl and casserole dish sizes, will typically cost you $60 to $650, based on recently sold dishes on eBay (and depending on whether you bought a single item or a set of them).
5. Blue Stripe
eBay
“Often called Bar Code, the Blue Stripe design debuted as a promotional item in 1966 as a casserole set,” Hirsch tells Parade. “It’s mainly found in deep blue with white lines. There are reports of red on white and also yellow on white. The casserole bowls come in an array of sizes.”
Individual pieces today go for $40-$100, and complete sets sell for $300-$500.
4. Atomic Eyes
Etsy
“Also called ‘eyes,’ this is a turquoise blue or pink mid-century elongated eye-shaped pattern that was made from 1950 to 1959 in a chip and dip service,” Hirsch shares. “Later, a coffee carafe was also produced.”
If you’re shopping for the large bowl, you’ll likely pay between $200 and $650.
3. Amish Butterprint
eBay
“The Amish Butterprint pattern featured images of Amish figures and roosters. It was made from 1957 to 1968 in turquoise and white, white on turquoise and pink/white and orange,” Hirsch shares.
For the orange pumpkin color alone, Hirsch says prices range from $100 to 300 or even over $1,300.
2. Atomic Starburst
Etsy
“Atomic Starburst debuted in 1960. It’s a single gold starburst featured on casserole dishes in white, turquoise and black,” Hirsch notes.
If you find one of these vintage Pyrex dishes, you’ll likely pay between $600 and $1,500.
1. Lucky in Love
Hirsch notes that this 1-quart casserole dish is “considered the rarest of Pyrex patterns.” The Lucky in Love dishes are decorated with pink hearts, green grass and green shamrocks.
“It was released in 1959 as a promotional product only,” she states. “When and if you find one, expect to pay $4,000 to $10,000.”
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Source:
- Reyne Hirsch is an appraiser and glass specialist who appeared in 13 seasons of the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. She was also a guest appraiser on American Pickers.
