The Valuable '50s & '60s Kitchen Staple To Look For At The Thrift Store

It's amazing what you can find at the thrift store. From hand-crocheted sweaters only a grandma could love to highly valuable vintage wares, these shops are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. One vintage kitchen staple that you should add to your thrifting wishlist is the often coveted glass egg serving dish, commonly used in the 1950s and 1960s. Not all vintage glass egg dishes are valuable, but even the more affordable varieties are making a comeback with homeowners, often used in more untraditional ways. This vintage glass decor is full of so much charm, and it's possible to score a collectible at a secondhand store.

Knowing how to thrift and identify vintage glass, like depression glass or carnival glass, can help you score the most highly sought-after and collectible egg serving trays. Additionally, it can be beneficial to read up on how to properly care for and source your own vintage glass egg platter so you can find something that suits your needs. If you want to use the egg tray for its intended purpose, you may need to perform a lead test, as vintage items often had unsafe levels of lead by today's standards. Another thing to look out for as you peruse your local thrift stores is the general pricing of these items. Knowing that a vintage Indiana Glass Co. Hobnail platter can go for upwards of $200 when sold by collectors will help you recognize a steal should you find one priced at just $6 at the thrift.

When looking to score a collectible vintage glass egg tray, you'll want to examine the color, style of glass, and manufacturer. The manufacturer can be found by flipping the platter upside down and looking for the maker's mark. Notable vintage glassware manufacturers in the early and midcentury include Indiana Glass Co., Fenton Art Glass Co., Westmoreland, and Anchor-Hocking, to name a few. Some of the most valuable vintage glass egg trays were produced by Indiana Glass Co., which made gorgeous glassware, notably from the 1920s to the 1970s. Many dishes during the postwar and prewar periods, between the decades of the 1920s and the 1970s, are considered highly collectible. On resale sites such as eBay, glass egg trays can be as expensive as $200 or more. However, it is possible to find some sellers listing these trays for under $100. This makes it a vintage glassware brand that's worth buying at the thrift store.

The other reason some glass egg trays may be more valuable is due to the type of glass and the color. Depression glass, milk glass, carnival glass, or Hobnail patterns can vastly influence the cost of a vintage egg tray. Quality can also play a role, so be sure to examine your thrifted find for any blemishes or damage. If you choose to thrift a vintage egg tray, remember to hand wash them rather than putting them in the dishwasher to ensure your vintage glassware stays in its best condition for your next get-together or party.