Author: Doug

One of the top three Pyrex opalware patterns, in terms of longevity. Early American ran from 1962 to 1971. May have lasted longer, but the gold decoration was incompatible with newly-popular microwave ovens.

Another one of those mysteries that ends up being a trading stamp program version. Here is the Butterprint 470 set in all turquoise on opal lurking in the background in the 1967 Top Value Stamps catalog. And the all turquoise on opal 400 set at far left rear!

More confusing cradles. Top: 1962 Golden Tulip, 1967 SP Town & Country,  and 1970 SP Verde 024 round casseroles. Bottom: 1962 Early American and Pink Stems 043 oval casseroles.

Here's the stamp program Verde 024 round casserole with it's original cradle. The combination is unusual in that the set is dated early 1970s, but the cradle style is like that of promos from 1962.

The Pink Butterprint Cinderella 470 round casserole set is among the pricier Pyrex collectibles, with the individual dishes often seen offered at $100 or more. In 1960, the set was available through the Top Value gift catalog stamp redemption program in exchange for a single filled book of stamps. One book of 1200 stamps equated to $120 in purchases from issuing retailers.

Nicknamed "Square Flowers" and "Dutch Clover", this alternate version Verde pattern was marketed through a trading stamp redemption program. The 024 2-quart round casserole is a harder to find model from the pattern collection. Even harder to find is the casserole with its original mounter cradle. The plain brown carton contains information placing it 1969 or after (probably 1970), but the design of the cradle is that of the 1962 Golden Tulip promo.

1959 Hospitality Casserole aka Golden Branch* 024 2-quart Round Casserole, plum blossom branch decoration in gold leaf on ivory w/candle warmer cradle.

A lesson learned. If a venue has become the place you don't stop at anymore because "they never have any Pyrex", you should make a habit of occasionally stopping there anyway. When you do, you should also remember that other lesson you learned before, and open the doors and drawers of display cabinets. One of these things was only $7.

1970 "Floral Bubbles". One of two promos with the decorative pattern printed on both the top and bottom of the lid, the other being 1969's "Spirograph". Another resource maintains the two-color pattern is deceptively printed only on the top, but under close inspection, it is definitely not. The same candle warmer cradle would also be paired with the 1971 Seville promo, and would be the last inclusion of such an accessory with any Pyrex promotional offering.

1962 Golden Classic. New cradle arrived today. And I do mean new. Never even had a candle lit in it. Still no original decorated lid, though. This cradle is very similar to the 1961 Golden Poinsettia's but with one important difference. The handle ends here are welded on top of the bars, not to their right angle-bent ends like the GP's. An obvious cost-cutting measure. Also, the vertical leg bars' ends inside the oval ring can easily scratch paint if care is not taken.