The Vintage Pyrex Set With A Charming Floral Print To Look For At Thrift Stores

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Some Pyrex pieces are showstoppers, commanding lots of attention and demand from avid collectors. In-demand patterns include Butterprint, with an Amish print that's a must-look-for at thrift stores; the winter favorite Snowflake; and the charming Gooseberry. But for every big-name Pyrex pattern, there's a quieter, lesser-known design. 

Shenandoah, first released in 1981, falls into that latter category. Only produced for five years, until Pyrex ended production of its patterned opalware in 1986, it doesn't get the buzz or press other patterns do. And for the budget-conscious Pyrex fan, that can be good news. 

Unlike rare patterns, such as the different prototypes of the Barcode pattern, or special promotional patterns, like Lucky in Love, dishware with the Shenandoah pattern doesn't sell for thousands. In fact, it doesn't even sell for hundreds. You can track down a three-piece set of mixing bowls with the floral pattern on a pale yellow background for around $50, or a solo casserole dish with lid, in good condition, for $20.  Still, Shenandoah has its fans, who appreciate the delicate green floral pattern and the cheery butter-yellow color of the mixing bowls and casseroles.

By the time the Shenandoah pattern hit the scene, in the early 1980s, Pyrex's heyday was winding down. Just four patterns remained on the market when the company pulled the plug on its opalware production in 1986, only five years after Shenandoah was released. That may be one of the reasons the pattern only appeared on a limited range of dishware — the three-piece round mixing bowl set, the Cinderella mixing bowl set, and two three-piece casserole sets. A four-quart round mixing bowl also exists, but is often harder to track down than the other pieces.

When looking for Shenandoah online or at your local thrift store, keep an eye out for the design's trailing stems and daisy-like flowers. Also pay attention to the pieces' condition, as scratches and marks affect their value and aesthetic appeal. If you come across a casserole dish, check that it has a matching lid, as it's common for lids and bowls to get separated over the years. A lidless dish is worth less than one with a lid, plus it's a lot less convenient if you're going to be using your Shenandoah dishes in the kitchen, rather than just for display.