Not Pyrex: Check Your Local Thrift For A Vintage Kitchenware Brand You'd Be Thrilled To Find

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You can find a wealth of affordable, old-school kitchenware at the thrift store. But if you're vigilant, you can track down rare, vintage gems for an unbelievably low cost. Pyrex might be one of the hot ticket names when it comes to vintage finds but there are a multitude of other hard-to-find collectibles to hunt down as well. Any thrifter worth their salt is willing to look beyond the most buzzworthy vintage name so they can uncover even less common treasures. If you're searching for beautiful enamel kitchenware, don't make the mistake of overlooking vintage Descoware.

This brand produced a range of enameled cast-iron cookware to rival that of well-known brands like Le Creuset. It was founded in the 1940s Belgium under the name "Bruxelles Ware". The name only changed when they were officially established in the United States around the early 1950s. This brand was at the forefront of the mid-century modern style revolution. It seamlessly blended style with functionality, offering lightweight kitchenware in a range of vibrant colors and patterns. These pieces not only excelled in practical use but also stunned with eye-catching, organic forms and clean lines. Descoware was extremely popular in its heyday. In fact, it was a favorite of beloved television personality and chef Julia Child. Unfortunately, Descoware declined in the 1970s when its patents got sold off.

Since these beauties were only in production for about 30 years, you can imagine they're more of a rare find than similar cookware such as Le Creuset or Staub. Still, if you know what you're looking for, you can absolutely track down a Descoware original. All it takes is a bit of insider knowledge on how to spot valuable high-end items at the thrift store. Start by searching for Decoware's signature colors and lightweight build.

The first colors this brand produced were its famed red/orange "Flame" gradient and solid Sunny Yellow. It later went on to release a range of other colors such as Avocado Green, Marigold Yellow, Sky Blue, and Chocolate Brown. Descoware also released patterned products with tulips and vegetables. Each piece will also have the manufacturer's mark imprinted on the bottom. You should see a cursive "Descoware" alongside something to the effect of "Made in Belgium." Look for its striking colors and company name to verify that you found the real deal.

While it can be tricky to find at a thrift shop, it's not impossible. Just take your time pouring over the stacks. If worse comes to worse, you can also track down Descoware products on eBay or Etsy for anywhere between $30 to $100 depending on the size. Just be sure to double check the authenticity of any pieces you intend to buy online. If you're lucky enough to bring home this valuable thrift store item of the '50s, it's vital to care for it properly. Handwash your Descoware with gentle soap and a nonabrasive tool so it can last you a lifetime.