This Rare '60s Pyrex Dish Is Beloved By Collectors Today

Some names just stand out when it comes to vintage kitchen collectibles: KitchenAid, Fire-King, Le Creuset, and, of course, Pyrex. This brand's dishes from the midcentury are some of the most popular items to collect if you love vintage kitchenware. There are many rare patterns to look for at the thrift store, but a few patterns and dish types are more sought after than others. The turquoise Cinderella two-quart Atomic Starburst patterned dish, sold for only one year in 1960, is one that collectors often have on their "unicorn find" list.

The appeal of collecting vintage Pyrex is due to a multitude of factors. One of the biggest reasons Pyrex is seeing a resurgence in popularity is, of course, because of the interest younger generations have shown in all things nostalgia lately. Besides being a lovely way to add beauty to a table setting, Pyrex dishes are extremely durable and functional. The process of collecting of each unique pattern can almost feel like a hunt for a rare Pokémon card; getting your hands on a Pyrex piece with a rare pattern could be extremely profitable. Finding an Atomic Starburst turquoise dish at a thrift store or estate sale could be likened to finding a holographic Charizard card in a binder in your parents' attic.

There have been many rare and collectible pieces of Pyrex through the decades, but old-school 1950s Pyrex patterns are very popular with collectors. The rarest and most valuable Pyrex pattern was released as a limited promotion in 1959: the Lucky in Love pattern. The Atomic Starburst turquoise dish has increased in value for the same reason, being a limited release as well. Many people know that for any type of collectible, scarcity tends to have a positive effect on resale value. The Atomic Starburst Pyrex dish, with all of its pieces, can go for a hefty price on online sites like eBay. The set — 2-quart dish, glass lid, stand, and warmer – recently sold on eBay for $1,150.

The Atomic Starburst's popularity is also due to its quintessentially midcentury aesthetic. Turquoise is a color many people think of when it comes to midcentury modern design, whether it's pops of colorful wallpaper, fashion, kitchenware, or even automobile paint, turquoise was everywhere during the period. The starburst pattern itself is also an iconic reminder of the time. Space and celestial iconography were all the rage thanks to the space race and the beginning of the atomic age. Owning the rare, Atomic Starburst Pyrex dish is truly like having a time capsule of midcentury life in your kitchen, and it doesn't hurt that it can perfectly heat your favorite casserole.