It’s been 25 years since Corning launched Pyrex in 1915! Although the company even stopped its production in the 1990s, there are still no brochures to value the old Pyrex items rightly. And sellers add price tags as they like without any verification!
But worry not! This detailed Pyrex value guide will help you not only identify Pyrex’s vintage features but also appraise them easily! So dust your glassware and join me to find the details!
Key Takeaways
- You can value Vintage Pyrex with the help of some regional marks, patterns, product styles, and age. So, don’t forget to check its date or stamp on the back.
- Pick vintage Pyrex products with curvy, geometric designs like American Empire, Mid-century Modern, or Sheraton for more returns.
- Natural Pyrex patterns like ‘Gooseberry’ and ‘Snowflake’ cost more, often up to $900, while simple Diamond or Heart patterns cost $300.
- Besides being transparent, even Black, Silver, and Gold colored Pyrex products value up to $1000.
Notable Features of Vintage Pyrex
You can tell if your Pyrex is vintage by its aged features – Amber patina, Uneven thickness, and Clear or Pastel finishes. But there are more fine details that will help you verify:
- Low-expansion Borosilicate or Soda-lime walls
- Branded ‘Corning’ or ‘Pyrex’ marks with model numbers
- Bold & intricate designs from the 1900s glass artists
- Superior shock, electrical & chemical-resistant glass
A Brief History Vintage Pyrex Dishes
Once a simple glass line, now a beloved ovenware brand, Pyrex products went through different design and evolution phases as follows:
The Naming Phase:
In the 1900s, people indeed used some of the thickest skillets and dishes. But those weren’t oven-safe and cracked with heat. That’s when Corning introduced Pyrex (named after the Greek word ‘Fire King’). And since it had borosilicate glass, it didn’t crack in ovens!
The Launching Phase:
Corning launched Pyrex as a simple, 12-piece dish set (Egg, Bread & Dinner plates.) But, with time and sales, they explored some patterned bowls and casseroles too. In fact, some early Berry or Spring Blossom designs fetch good returns even today!
The Designers Phase:
By the 1930s, people got bored with the same Berry and Floral designs. So, Corning introduced butterflies, daisies, and striped designs. Some even had red or orange designs, making them more popular.
The Declining Phase:
The 1940s was the era of the Economic Depression. So, makers switched the ‘borosilicate glass’ with cheaper ‘soda-lime’ glass. But sadly, ‘Pyrex’ lost its quality, making it cheaper than before.
13 Vintage Pyrex Patterns With Value Guide
Let’s explore the most popular and collectible vintage Pyrex patterns with their estimated values:
Sr. No. | Vintage Pyrex Patterns | Year | How to Identify? | Estimated Value |
1. | Gooseberry | 1957 | Whimsical Pink, Black & White Gooseberries on a clear glass background | $25 – 900 |
2. | Butterfly Gold | 1972 | Mixed design of Golden Butterflies & flowers on a White or Cream background | $10 – 600 |
3. | Spring Blossom Green | 1972 | White or Cream-colored Flowers, Leaves & Dots on an Avocado Green Background | $5 – 500 |
4. | Snowflake | 1970 | Delicate Snowflake, Swag, and Dot designs on a clear glass or Blue background | $10 – 900 |
5. | Amish Butterprint | 1957 | Simple, country-style design with an illustrated Amish farmer, Crops & Roosters on Clear or Turquoise Blue walls | $20 – 800 |
6. | Pink Daisy | 1956 | Scattered & Random White daisies or other florals on a Pastel Pink Background | $20 – 400 |
7. | Rainbow Stripes | 1965 | Solid-colored, Alternating bands of Blue, Yellow, Pink & White on a clear glass background | $15 – 500 |
8. | Turquoise Diamonds | 1956 | Dispersed, Turquoise-colored diamonds on a Clear or White background | $10 – 200 |
9. | Atomic Eyes | 1957 | Playful Atomic motifs, Stylized eyes, Swirls & Stars on a Clear or White background | $10 – 600 |
10. | Amoeba Pattern | 1955 | Random, Amoeba-shaped blobs in White, Blue, Green, or Yellow colors | $10 – 400 |
11. | Lucky in Love Pattern | 1959 | A light, feminine design with Hearts, Clovers, and Grass blades on a Clear Background | $5 – 300 |
12. | New Dot | 1967 | Look for three round dot bands around the external rim or center | $5 – 500 |
13. | Woodland | 1978 | Simple & Whimsical White floral or leaf designs on a Brown, Caramel, or Tan background | $10 – 300 |
6 Factors to Identify & Estimate Vintage Pyrex Value
Vintage Pyrex dishes are generally worth $10 – $50, with some rare dishes from a limited edition pattern or product line that can sell for $100 to $500! Let’s understand how different features like age, style, and colors impact the final resale value of vintage Pyrex.
1. Manufacturing Date & Age
Do you know that Pyrex products from different eras have similar prices? For example, the 1930s Opal ones cost $1500, while the printed 1960s ones value up to $300! So, tracking the date becomes essential! And for that, flip your piece and compare the features below:
Old Pyrex Year | Age | Top Era-Specific Features | Estimated Value |
1915 – 1920 | 103 – 108 years | Clear, Semi-opaque or Frosted Pyrex with uneven thickness, ‘Made in USA stamps’ & ‘Corningware’ logos | $300 – 1500 |
1930s – 1940s | 83 – 93 years | White, Opalescent Pyrex with ‘Circle,’ ‘CG,’ or ‘Blowing Glass’ stamps at the base | $100 – 1000 |
1950s | 64 – 73 years | Colored, Patterned Pyrex with stamped straight lines or trademarks at the base | $20 – 800 |
1960s – 1970s | 50 – 63 years | Simple, soda-lime glass walls with a ‘No-broiling’ stamp and minimal patterns | $10 – 300 |
Avoid getting aged, faded, or scratched Pyrex patterns, as those don’t value much.
2. Types of Products
If you visit an antique Pyrex shop, you’ll be stunned at the variety there! From small cups to large casseroles, each has the same branded glass and finishes. But do all of them have the same value? Let’s check below!
Antique Pyrex Products | Featured & Collectible Patterns | Average Cost |
Bowls – Cereal, Chip & Dip, Dessert, Soup, Fruit & Vegetable | Gooseberry, Amish Butterprint & Snowflake | $10 – 500 |
Plates – Bread, Candy, Cheese, Dessert & Dinner | Gooseberry, Blue Cornflower, Woodland & Snowflake | $20 – 700 |
Casseroles & Casserole Pans | Turquoise Diamond, Blue Cornflower & New dot | $50 – 1500 |
Coffee Cups & Saucers | Rainbow Stripes & Snowflake | $10 – 120 |
Jars & Jugs | New Dot, Butterfly Gold & Pink Daisy | $15 – 500 |
Creamers & Sugar Sets | Pink Daisy, Woodland, Lucky in Love | $15 – 150 |
Try to get Vintage Pyrex with a fused or hand-blown glass make for a good value.
3. Colors & Glazes
The earliest 1900s Pyrex items might be white or transparent. But then, by the 1930s, Corning introduced some red, green, and black Pyrex products too! So, let’s check how to appraise those:
Vintage Pyrex Colors | Estimated Price |
Transparent & White | $50 – 1500 |
Black, Brown & Gray | $20 – 900 |
Silver & Gold | $30 – 1000 |
Green, Blue & Purple | $20 – 900 |
Red & Orange | $10 – 500 |
4. Pattern Styles
Not all Pyrex patterns were natural or floral. Some rare 1930s ones mimic the different interior styles and art movements too! Also, some were regional and used local Dutch, Sheraton, or folk art designs that changed the values. Let’s see how!
Antique Pyrex Styles | Average Cost |
American Directoire or Empire | $30 – 1200 |
Art Nouveau & Art Déco | $15 – 500 |
Colonial, Federal & Victorian | $20 – 700 |
Mid-century Modern & Sheraton | $100 – 1000 |
Dutch & Folk Art | $10 – 300 |
Modern & Contemporary | $10 – 400 |
Pick vintage Pyrex with original American, British, or French back stamps for more returns.
5. Rare Product Lines
You’ll get old Pyrex products in six product lines – Original, Colored, Patterned, Flameware, Visions, and Clear. Of this, the 1920s Original line costs more due to its crude, borosilicate finishes. But, the 1990s clear line doesn’t value much as it’s thin and machine-pressed.
Here’s a table showing the exact values of each:
Old Pyrex Product Line | How to Identify | Estimated Value |
Originals | Crude borosilicate finishes, uneven shapes, sizes, and thickness | $40 – 1500 |
Pyrex Colors | Solid-colored or Tinted finishes, usually with patterns or prints | $10 – 800 |
Pyrex Patterns | Look for pigmented, decorative, and intricate patterns like Gooseberry or Butterfly Gold | $30 – 400 |
Flameware | Blue-tinted borosilicate pots & pans | $10 – 300 |
Pyrex Visions | Transparent, glass-ceramic cookware with patterns and designs | $20 – 400 |
Pyrex Clear Advantage | Clear, Bluish-tint glass with thin and even finishes | $10 – 200 |
6. Patterns & Products
All the Pyrex patterns use similar pigments, materials, and finishes. But, even then, some patterns, like the Blue Cornflower Casserole, cost more than others. That’s because these belong to some limited-edition anniversary series that’s rare today!
Want to know about such rare Pyrex patterns? Here’s a list:
Rare Pyrex Patterns & Products | How to Identify? | Last Resale Cost |
Blue Cornflower Casserole (1950) | Central design of three Blue cornflowers and leaves on a solid White background | $4500 |
Spice of Life Casseroles | Illustrated vegetable motifs – Tomatoes, Green Pepper, Artichoke, Garlic & Bay leaves | Up to $8000 |
WildFlower Saucepans | Orange, Yellow & Pink Poppy designs on a Glass-ceramic base | Up to $6000 |
Lucky in Love Casserole | Heart & Clover designs on a transparent background | $4000 |
What is the Value of Vintage Pyrex Bowls?
Vintage Pyrex bowls typically cost $10 – 500, depending on the age, pattern, colors, and finishes.
What Year is Vintage Pyrex?
Corning Glass Works launched the first Pyrex product in 1915. But the most collectible ones today are from 1930 – 1950, roughly 60 – 80 years old!
Is Vintage Pyrex Non-Toxic?
Yes, vintage Pyrex is entirely non-toxic and has no lead, like cut glass. Instead, it has a non-porous, glossy finish that doesn’t seep into the food.
Is Vintage Pyrex Glass or Plastic?
Vintage Pyrex doesn’t have Plastic at all! In fact, it uses a low-expansion, chemical-free borosilicate or soda lime glass with pigmented patterns.
Identifying Vintage Pyrex is easy, but valuing it might look tough! So when in confusion, test some visual features like the style, color, and patterns for the value. Also, check if your Pyrex pattern is exclusive or limited edition to hike the value!
If you loved collecting Pyrex, you might also love collecting different ‘Corelle patterns’ and ‘China’ patterns. But don’t forget to identify and appraise those with my guides!