Adventures at the Pyrex Swapmeet

I am a Pyrex lover.  But not just any Pyrex,  I like the old stuff.  I think I like it so much because so many of those now vintage pieces were the same pieces that graced our kitchen when we were growing up.  Oh how I remember those casserole dishes, mixing bowls, and serving ware.  Now I am a novice when it comes to Pyrex.  Pyrex comes in all sorts of old patterns and the pieces are actually numbered.  Of course I don't happen to know all the ins and outs, especially off the top of my head. But I do know what I like.

So when I heard that there was a Pyrex Swapmeet about to take place in my own backyard, I was all over it.  Tickets to attend (as a buyer only) were free, and the event was only to last for 3 short hours. But I knew I wanted to be there.  So I made plans to attend (at baby's naptime while my husband was home to be in charge).  Apparently sellers and swappers were allowed in early to sell and swap with one another before the event opened to the general public.  What fun!

But this was my first time at an event such as this.  Actually, our local Pyrex swapmeet is hosted in town twice a year and I missed the spring event.  So not knowing what to expect, I armed myself with some cash, a shopping bag (or two), and my ticket to enter.  

Oh, and I was so pleasantly surprised!  There were vendors galore, and they were all super nice! They were ready to answer questions, and of course, they all knew way more about Pyrex than I do, so that was a plus!  There was so much to see so I did a lap around the whole place once to get an idea of what was available.  And as I had kind of suspected, there was more than just Pyrex available. There were also lots of cool other vintage kitchenware items there too - salt and pepper shakers, tea towels, stripy juice glasses, cool canisters, among so many other wares.  But the focus was definitely all on Pyrex and all the vendors had plenty to choose from. 

Here's a look at some of the action.  (It was a busy afternoon!)

And just a taste of what was available.  (Prices were well marked and vendors were willing to wheel and deal- always a plus!)

It was a little overwhelming.  Especially since I didn't have any idea of what I was looking for.  I just knew I would know once I saw it.  And I was right! 

For my first swapmeet I would say it was a great success!  Here's a look at my little haul.

First up is this gorgeous sunny yellow covered casserole dish.  I take it this one is not super rare as I saw several for sale.  However, I priced them all and think I came up with a good deal.  This one is in near perfect condition, and I paid $23 for it.

But the best part of this dish is that it's divided into two sections!  Wow!  Double wow!!

Next up is a vintage piece that isn't Pyrex but it's just as fabulous!  This set of six stripey juice glasses with spinner was calling my name.  I have a large vintage striped juice pitcher and similar carafe already at home.  So they were meant to be!

Next is this set of pink speckle Pyrex casserole dishes.  It's actually a set of four pieces.  There is the loaf pan and small casserole dish  that you see here...

And then there's the large casserole dish and casserole holder.  As you can see, I've already put those pieces to good use.  All of these were also in near perfect condition.

And then this piece isn't Pyrex either, but it's a goody.  It's Fire King Lusterware in peach.  And this one caught my eye because we had this serving bowl in our kitchen when we were growing up.  I have a feeling it actually belonged to our Grandma, and was handed down to us.  We used it regularly.  I think I remember mashed potatoes mostly being served in this one.  They aren't particularly valuable (or expensive) but I am so glad to add this one to my personal collection.

So there you have it. Pyrex is so functional because not only can you bake in it, it also looks great to serve from too!  I already have several of the mixing bowls that I use on the regular.  And I am just as pleased as punch with these new-to-me finds.  Here's hoping that some fabulous vintage finds make theit way to your kitchen soon too!