The Rare Pyrex Bowl Produced For Only A Year That Collectors Dream Of Finding At Thrift Stores

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Pyrex dishes are the stuff of collectors' dreams, so it makes sense that many of us hunt for them at thrift stores. There are so many beautiful designs to choose from, they look great on display, and there will always be one more type you just have to have for your collection. Plus, finding certain vintage Pyrex patterns is like winning the lottery. One of the hard-to-find Pyrex pieces is a '50s casserole dish with a rare pattern lovingly referred to as Black Tulip by collectors.

The Black Tulip dish is an oval casserole dish that holds 1 ½ quarts. It owes its rarity to the fact that it was a promotional item produced only from 1956 to 1957, and it's even rarer to find with its original white-handled brass caddy and glass lid. It features a white background with a whimsical black pattern made up of tulips and pinwheels, accented with small geometric cutouts like dashed lines on the petals and circles on the leaves. Collectors dreaming of acquiring one at a thrift store for their own display shelves should try to find one that comes with its original caddy and lid to have a truly complete set.

Though Black Tulip is not as colorful as some of the other bakeware and bowls produced by Pyrex, many still dream of finding one of these dishes. This particular piece of bakeware is also of interest to collectors because it was one of the first promotional Pyrex dishes that had a pattern on it. So whether you're looking for dishware to add vintage vibes to your kitchen, or are hoping to score some cash as a reseller, you should keep on the lookout for vintage Pyrex patterns like this one when you peruse your favorite thrift store. Just be sure to examine its condition before you buy — this dish was produced a couple decades before lead paint was banned, so if you see scratches or cracks in the paint or glaze, there's a chance it could it leach this lead into your food. In that case, it would be best to use your Black Tulip bakeware for display only.

Collectors set on the idea of purchasing a Black Tulip dish may have an easier time finding one from an online seller. These casserole dishes have previously been sold on eBay for prices in the $30 to $100 range, with cost varying based on whether the dish comes with its lid and cradle or not. Wherever you start your search for this collectable pattern, it's certainly a rare vintage Pyrex dish you'd be lucky to find at thrift stores or estate sales.