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If you're a whiz in the kitchen or have some cookware that was passed down from previous generations, then it's likely you own at least a few Pyrex pieces. These dishes are recognized for their ability to withstand extreme temperature changes, making them both versatile and highly coveted. With that in mind, you might be wondering whether you have any valuable Pyrex pieces at home.
Unless you're an antiques aficionado, you might not know exactly how to tell whether your Pyrex is worth big bucks or just another piece of glass to keep in your pantry.
Well, you're in luck because we tapped two vintage and antique experts about the signs a Pyrex piece may be worth big money. Spoiler alert: If you have a piece from a complete set, then you may have hit the jackpot.
5 Signs Pyrex Piece Is Worth Big Money
Fortunately, with Pyrex pieces, the signs that they're collector-item-worthy are visually obvious. Basically, if it looks special, it probably is.
1. They Have Unique Patterns
When looking for Pyrex pieces that are worth a lot of money, you'll want to take a look at the patterns. According to Stacy Verdick Case, vintage seller and owner of Peony Lane Designs, certain patterns have stronger collector followings than others. "Butterprint, Gooseberry, Pink Daisy, Snowflake and some turquoise or pink pieces tend to attract attention because they have that nostalgic Mid-century look people love," she says. "The design matters because collectors are often buying Pyrex for display as much as use, so color and pattern can drive demand."
If you own any of these patterns, you'll want to consider selling the piece(s) because it could give you some big money.
Nora Curl, an antiques expert and accredited appraiser with JustAnswer, advises that one holy-grail rare pattern is 'Lucky in Love'; itwas released in 1959 and features pink hearts, green grass and shamrocks. Sets in this pattern have been sold for upwards of $4,000, according to Pyrex Potluck.
2. They Are Certain Colors
Speaking of colors, the Pyrex colors are often correlated to the time period in which it was produced and that can be indicative of how valuable it is. "If you know design trends through the decades, the color ways can help you date Pyrex," says Curl. "A quick guide is the 1940s had lots of solid primary colors, the 1950’s had pink and blue, the 1960s had white and browns and the 1970s had avocado, harvest gold and orange."
Keeping these trends in mind, you may be able to tell how valuable your Pyrex is based on the color.
3. It Has a Mark on the Bottom
According to Case, the mark on the bottom can also matter when identifying vintage Pyrex pieces. "Older pieces with the all-caps “PYREX” mark tend to be more collectible than newer pieces marked with lowercase “pyrex,” she explains. "I would not use the mark alone to price a piece, but it is a helpful clue when you are trying to determine whether something is vintage."
More specifically, the pre-1945 back stamp included 'Reg' and 'Made in USA'. "They added 'Ovenware' to the mark after 1945," says Curl. "Once you see a piece with a ‘Microwave Safe’ mark along with all caps maker names, it is easy to date it from the late 1970s to 1998."
4. It Is Part of a Complete Set
If you own part of a complete Pyrex set, then you could be in for some big bucks. "A ‘complete’ set consists of having all the nesting bowls together in their mixing sets, a hostess set or the metal stand with a chip and dip set," says Curl. "Other concepts of ‘complete’, could mean a dish with the original stand and lid."
5. It Is in Good Condition
Similar to most items, you'll want to make sure your Pyrex is in good condition ahead of selling it. "When considering selling vintage Pyrex you'll want to make sure the colors are still bold and not dulled from use and washing," says Curl. "The screen printed patterns should be crisp and sharp and not faded away or lost from constant use."
Case adds that dishwasher damage is one of the biggest value killers because it can make the color look faded, chalky or dull. "You always want to check pieces in good light and tilt them so you can see scratches, fading, chips, cracks or worn areas in the paint, which can decrease the value."
Sources:
- Stacy Verdick Case, vintage seller and owner of Peony Lane Designs
- Nora Curl, an antiques expert and accredited appraiser with JustAnswer
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