Forget Pyrex And CorningWare: The Vintage Kitchenware Set To Search For At Thrift Stores

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Eagle-eyed thrifters often set their sights on vibrant Pyrex bowls and CorningWare casserole dishes with unique patterns, but there are plenty of other valuable vintage kitchenware finds worth tracking down — and one will make any avid collector green with envy. The cool-hued "jade-ite" Fire King swirl bowl is enough to stop shoppers in their tracks for looks alone. Discovering one in good condition — or assembling the five-piece set in its entirety — is cause for major bragging rights. 

A product of the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation, Fire King glass is known for its breakthrough thermal shock resistance, much like CorningWare's Pyroceram. The jade-ite swirl bowls were constructed from the material and are highly covetable today, but not nearly as accessible. The swirl pattern was in production from 1949-1951, and in 1952, the bowls came as a set of four — six, seven, eight, and nine inches — for a mere $0.98. The five-inch bowl was often sold separately, making it one of the rarer finds at second-hand shops nowadays. If you manage to come across a seller listing all five bowls, expect to pay upwards of $700 — a far cry from $0.98. Single bowls of various sizes often average around $70, so don't pass up this vintage glass, especially if they're on the less expensive side. 

When Martha Stewart decided to show off her own jade-ite collectibles in the '90s, popularity skyrocketed, and to this day, the appeal remains strong. The jade-ite swirl bowls are an iconic part of American kitchens, and when they were first created, Anchor Hocking was considered the second-largest glass manufacturing company in the world. More than seventy-five years later, jade-ite pieces, particularly the swirl bowls, continue to pique collectors' interest for their nostalgic appeal, opaque aesthetic, minty shade, durability, and versatility.

But, as is the case with any valuable dinnerware pieces, you have to know how to spot the bowls before assuming you're dealing with the real thing — no matter what the price tags say. Don't confuse the swirl design for Anchor Hocking's 1960s Shell aesthetic: Unlike the latter design, the swirl does not include scalloped edges. If you look at the markings on the bottom of the bowl and find either OVEN Fire-King GLASS or OVEN Fire-King WARE, you're in good shape. Additionally, you might find a "Made in the U.S.A." marking underneath the circular "Oven Fire-King WARE" stamp. Whether you're searching for "jade-ite" Fire King swirl bowls on retailers like eBay or second-hand antique shops, don't be afraid to ask questions and assess the condition, as any scratches and marks could potentially affect the bowl's use today.