Don't Overlook This Sign Of Value On Vintage Pyrex

For over 100 years, Pyrex has been a staple in homes around the world. First launched in 1915, these heat and cold-resistant kitchenware items transformed cooking and baking — and you might have a few of them in your cabinets. But, did you know that vintage Pyrex is a bit of a collector's item? There are loads of Pyrex fans who hunt down items with unique patterns, with older types and prototypes being worth thousands of dollars. Pyrex is actually one of the most valuable Items to seek out at a thrift store or garage sale, so it's helpful to know the signs of a valuable vintage Pyrex piece. One of the things you should always check out when you come across Pyrex is the backstamp, as this can tell you loads about when the item was made and how much it is worth.

Older Pyrex pieces made before the original company sold the brand are typically more sought after and therefore more sought after than those made after. Because the Pyrex backstamp changed over the years, looking at it can help you date the item you have. Around the time the company was sold, the wording on Pyrex backstamps went from capital letters to lowercase. This means that, in general, those with capital-letter wording are among the most valuable vintage Pyrex pieces to look out for, whereas items with lowercase wording may not be. However, this was not the only change to Pyrex backstamps over the years, and knowing the different logos throughout the decades can be helpful when hunting for valuable vintage items.

Most Pyrex pieces have their backstamp embossed on the bottom of the glass, so if you have one in your home, turn it over and have a look. Earlier backstamps from the 1930s and 1940s depicted the words Pyrex inside a circle with the Corning Glassworks' CG logo both above and below the name. Certain pieces from this era also show a person glassblowing. In the 1950s, "Made in the USA" and trademark symbol were added to the backstamp, and in the 1960s, the circular design was changed to a more square layout. Later on, in the 1970s, instructions on how to use the item, such as "no broiler," began to appear on the backstamp. 

All of these older Pyrex items with these backstamps may be of value, especially the older ones, as they have become harder to find over time. Scarcity is a huge factor when it comes to the value of Pyrex, so look for those earlier backstamp designs. Alongside the backstamp, you should also be on the lookout for valuable vintage Pyrex patterns, such as the starburst pattern and the turquoise diamond design, as these can be worth a lot. With the knowledge of patterns and backstamps, you are well on your way to hunting down those rare and sought-after Pyrex pieces!