It Was In Tons Of '50s Kitchen Cabinets — Now It's A Valuable Thrift Store Gem

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you could take a trip back in time and peek into a '50s kitchen cabinet, you'd probably spy a bright-looking set of bowls you'd want to bring back to the present: Fire-King tulip mixing bowls. These bowls are a perfect example of modern mid-century design as they really look like they were ahead of their time. And while time travel isn't possible, you could try visiting a local thrift store to track down one of these collectible gems.

Along with other vintage kitchen dishware items you should always look for at  thrift stores, these Fire-King bowls are easy to identify. The bowls themselves are vase-shaped with a glossy white or ivory glaze. On each bowl, there are pretty red and yellow potted tulips with green leaves and blue pots. Originally, the bowls came in a nesting set of four, with the smallest measuring 6½ inches in diameter and the largest 9½ inches. Most likely, you'll find individual pieces rather than all four.

So next time you're thrifting, stay on the lookout for these bright tulip bowls (just as you might for any of the valuable brands of vintage porcelain that made our collectibles list). Be careful, though, as there are reproductions out there, too, good enough to fool a new collector.

These bowls were made by the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation and were part of the Fire-King product range, a vintage kitchenware brand that's worth buying at the thrift store (or an estate sale). The Fire-King line was massive and included lots of different designs in a multitude of colors. All the products were designed to be used in '50s kitchens, which makes finding one or a set of these bowls even more valuable, especially if they're in good condition. The bowls are made from heat-proof borosilicate glass, which means that they're ovenproof.

If you're into reselling your thrift store finds, Fire-King tulip mixing bowls on their own can fetch around $40 or more on eBay, depending on the size. However, if you're lucky enough to find a full set, then its value can be considerably more. For example, a complete set of four can sell for almost $300 when in very good condition. You just need to ensure that what you have is a genuine vintage bowl. As noted, off-brand copies have been manufactured and are in circulation. So, look, for the maker's mark; authentic pieces should have the Fire-King brand on the base, as well as the words "oven ware."

On the other hand, if you want to add these vintage mixing bowls to your collection, and intend to actually use any of the pieces, never ever put them in the dishwasher, as that will ruin the painted designs and even fade the coloring of plain pieces. Remember, these were manufactured before the common use of home dishwashers; they weren't made to withstand the power of modern cleaners.