Since its introduction, Pyrex has charmed women around the world. Thanks to television shows like “Mad Men”, the older, vintage pieces are now hot collectibles. Pyrex now makes clear glass baking dishes, but in the past, the Pyrex banner utilized dozens of different patterns and colors. Collecting Pyrex is easy because you can find the pieces in so many different places, including online and offline venues. Before you start your collection, decide what you want.
Picking Patterns and Colors
One of the first things to look at before you start collecting Pyrex is what pieces you want in your collection. You always have the option of buying anything you see, but this might lead to a collection that overwhelms your home. Many collectors pick a specific pattern or only buy a certain color. When you expand into colors, you have access to more pieces. For example, if you collect pink pieces, you will see the Snowflake pattern and Butterprint pattern.
One Type or Many
Decide if you want to collect pieces of varying sizes or pieces of a specific kind. Pyrex collectors sometimes lean towards a certain type, such as the Cinderella bowls or casserole dishes with small handles. Pyrex made mixing bowls, oval baking dishes, pie plates, casserole dishes, and oblong dishes. You might want a single piece of each type in your collection.
Expand Your Collection
Once you have the bare bones of your collection, start expanding. Did you know that Pyrex made clear glass cookware? The double boiler piece can reach $50 or more on the secondary market because users broke or lost one of the components. Pyrex Flameware pieces feature a clear glass design with a silver band that wrapped around the top of the pot. The band snapped off for easy cleaning of the handle. The company made small saucepans and other cookware under the Flameware line.
A Pyrex collection might include some of the older antique pieces made by the company. Pyrex made baby bottles, measuring cups, juice carafes, and even scientific instruments. Most of the pieces have the company’s logo on the side or bottom, making identification easy.
Price Considerations
Set a budget for your Pyrex collection and stay true to that budget. When you buy from an antique mall or antique store, you might pay up to $100 or more for a set of mixing bowls. Online and offline retailers have higher prices on the pieces because they are hard to find and more collectible. Only go over your price limit if you really want a piece and cannot find it anywhere.
Condition Factors
Look for Pyrex dishes in the best possible condition. The company did not design the dishes for use in the dishwasher and machine washing the pieces leads to peeling and fading. Flea bites, which are tiny chips located around the top or sides of the dishes, is a common problem. Buy pieces in the best condition you can afford. You can always replace those pieces later.
Jennifer Eblin - Jennifer Eblin received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Dayton before re-enrolling and finishing a B.A. in History. During ...
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