The Rare Pyrex Serving Dish That Collectors Dream Of Finding At Thrift Stores

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There are some dishware brands that most people are familiar with, and Pyrex is definitely on that list. Known for their durable glassware that is primarily heat resistant, there are some vintage patterns from Pyrex that are rare thrift store gems. One rare piece is the Compass Snack Server, which is a divided dish featuring two sections for food. It was released as a promotional pattern and over the years fans of the pattern have given it a name that they believe represents the design, which is why the Snack Server is often called the Compass. 

The Pyrex Snack Server is in the classic milk glass white with the Compass pattern in black — a strip of stylized compasses, alternating in both small and large sizes. The design has longer lines that would represent north, south, east, and west, with smaller lines that represent the directions for northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest, all of which is how the pattern earned its name.

Originally, the piece was released with a brass carrier that would make it easy to carry your dish from above. The carrier piece would slip over the handles at each end of the server. And while there are no confirmed reports about whether it had a lid or not when it was first released, there are some Snack Servers that can be found online with a clear glass lid. Considering the lid looks to be a perfect fit for the piece, it makes sense that you might want to look for a Pyrex Compass Snack Server that has both a glass lid and the brass carrier.

It's important that you don't overlook this sign of value on vintage Pyrex – the backstamp. On the bottom of the Snack Server, you should find a mark that reads Pyrex with the words "Made in the USA." This mark would be present on pieces from the 1950s, which makes sense since this design was released in 1959. Another thing to look for is the size of the dish, which you can find on the bottom of these Snack Servers. In this case, it should read "1 ½ quart," above the Pyrex stamp.

If you're on the hunt for rare Pyrex pieces at the thrift store, the Compass Snack Server is a good one to be on the lookout for, even without the lid or brass carrier. However, if you're able to find one of these Snack Servers with all three pieces together, it's a must pick up, especially with the prices that people are able to command for these online. It can be hard to find the Snack Server with its original brass carrier, and on eBay there have been a few listed and sold. One of these Compass Snack Servers with the carrier included sold for $149.99, while another was listed for $55 with some "patina" on the handle. And even without the carrier or a lid, you can sometimes find them on Replacements for $49.99. So if you spot one of these Pyrex Snack Servers at a thrift store or even at a yard sale, they can be an amazing find.