It Was Popular In The '70s — The Rare Pyrex Collection Worth Hunting For At Thrift Stores

Heading to the thrift store can be a great way to add unique and rare items to your home. Whether you're looking for a new decor piece or vintage kitchenware, you can find a wide range of unexpected treasures. Some vintage Pyrex patterns are extremely valuable and well worth picking up if you find them. If you're looking for a rare Pyrex gem at the thrift store, keep an eye out for Old Town Blue, also known as Blue Onion. First released in 1972 and produced through 1982, it features a band of small flowers, swirling vines and leaves, and fan-like details printed on iconic Pyrex milk glass in a deep blue shade. The pattern's dark blue is often described as an indigo or navy shade.

The interesting thing about the Old Town Blue pattern is that it was only released as part of the Compatible Tabletop line, which was a companion to Corelle's Livingware pieces. This line was all about giving people serving pieces that blended with the rest of their dinnerware collection. You could use these pieces to create a mix-and-match set of kitchenware that worked alongside your everyday dishes. If you needed a butter dish, a gravy boat, or even a sugar and creamer set that perfectly corresponded with your dishes, these pieces would work. If you're really lucky, you might even be able to find the only baking dish that was released, although this piece was never even offered as part of the Pyrex catalog.

As with any vintage Pyrex, you'll want to look for pieces with minimal damage, both to preserve their value and because older decorative paints may contain lead. Because this pattern was produced both before and after restrictions on lead-based paint changed in the late 1970s, it's worth being mindful of decorative paint if you plan to use the pieces regularly. You'll want to pay attention to color fade, scratching, or any chips in the glass. On top of checking the condition of the pieces you find, you'll also want to check the bottom for the Pyrex mark in all capital letters, alongside the Corning brand, although some pieces don't say Corning on them, such as the classic butter dish. Since Pyrex began offering microwave safe products in the late '70s and early '80s, you might see markings that let you know that your piece is oven and microwave safe.

Finding pieces of Old Town Blue Pyrex can be exciting, especially when they are in great condition. These pieces can be great as decor and in some cases, even as usable servingware. And if you're looking to score valuable vintage Pyrex at the thrift store, the Old Town Blue collection does have some pieces that are worth more than others. Some of the most desirable pieces include new-in-package coffee mugs, which have sold on eBay for around $50, the covered butter dish that have sold for as much as $40, and the salt and pepper shakers which can be found on Replacements for $99.95