The Ultimate Guide to Pyrex Patterns (1950–1980)

If you’ve spent any time at estate sales or thrift stores, you’ve seen it: the unmistakable curves of a Pyrex mixing bowl, usually in a stack, usually underpriced. But which patterns are worth collecting, and how do you date them? Here’s everything you need to know.

A Brief History

Pyrex was introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1915 as a line of borosilicate glass for laboratory use. By the 1940s, they’d pivoted to consumer kitchenware, and by the 1950s, they were producing the iconic patterned pieces collectors seek today.

The golden age of patterned Pyrex runs roughly from 1956 to 1986, when production shifted away from decorated pieces.

The Big Five Patterns

1. Butterprint (1957)

Also called “Amish” — features a rooster and corn motif in turquoise on white and white on turquoise. This is the quintessential Pyrex pattern and remains one of the most sought-after.

Value range: $30–$150 per piece depending on form and condition.

2. Gooseberry (1957)

Delicate berry branches on pink or white backgrounds. The pink-on-white version is significantly more valuable.

Value range: $25–$200+ for rare pieces.

3. Spring Blossom / Crazy Daisy (1972)

Green daisies on white. One of the most commonly found patterns — production lasted over a decade.

Value range: $10–$40 per piece. Affordable entry point for new collectors.

4. Friendship (1971)

Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired birds and flowers. Warm, folk-art aesthetic.

Value range: $30–$120 per piece.

5. Lucky in Love (1959)

Hearts and clovers in gold and green. One of the rarest promotional patterns — only produced for one year.

Value range: $200–$800+ depending on piece and condition.

How to Date Your Pyrex

The quickest way to date a piece:

1. Logo style: The all-caps “PYREX” in an older font predates 1970. The lowercase “pyrex” appeared in the early 1970s.
2. Number stamps: Model numbers on the bottom correspond to specific forms (e.g., 401 = 1.5 pint mixing bowl).
3. Color and pattern: Cross-reference production years with known catalogs.

Condition Matters

For collectors, condition is critical:

• Mint: No wear, no fading, no scratches. Commands top dollar.
• Excellent: Very light use, minimal if any fade.
• Good: Visible wear to pattern, possibly some scratching from stacking.
• Fair/Poor: Significant fading, chips, or cracks. Value drops dramatically.

Dishwasher use is the number one killer of Pyrex patterns. The agitation and harsh detergents strip the painted designs over time. If you’re collecting, always hand wash.

Where to Find Pyrex

Estate sales remain the best source, especially in the Midwest where these pieces were kitchen staples for decades. Thrift stores are hit-or-miss but can yield incredible finds. Flea markets tend to have higher prices due to dealer awareness, but you can still negotiate.

The key is knowing what you’re looking at before you pick it up. Now you do.