History of ... Why is it collectable?
PYREX
In 1908, Corning Glass Works, in Corning, New York, developed a borosilicate glass that could withstand extreme heat and cold without breaking. They called the glass "Nonex" and used it in battery jars and railroad lanterns. Ironically, Nonex's strength meant battery jars and lanterns no longer broke and needed replacing, so the company l
In 1908, Corning Glass Works, in Corning, New York, developed a borosilicate glass that could withstand extreme heat and cold without breaking. They called the glass "Nonex" and used it in battery jars and railroad lanterns. Ironically, Nonex's strength meant battery jars and lanterns no longer broke and needed replacing, so the company looked for other ways to use its heatproof glass. In 1913, a woman named Bessie Littleton, who was married to Corning scientist Jesse Littleton, found it. After an earthenware baking dish cracked in her hot oven, Bessie asked Jesse to bring home a Nonex battery jar for her to experiment with. The sponge cake Bessie baked in the jar turned out perfectly, and the jar stayed intact. This sent Corning down a new path: cookware. In 1915, the company launched its first Pyrex line (Pyrex combined "pie" and "Nonex") with 12 pieces, including pie plates and a loaf pan. The 8-ounce liquid measuring cup came out 10 years later; early versions had a closed, D-shaped handle and tick marks made out of molded glass. (The red measurements were added in the 1940s.) In 1983, a redesign gave the cups an open handle, allowing for different-sized cups to be stacked and yielding the model that today is a staple of kitchens everywhere.
Hazel-Atlas
The Hazel-Atlas Glass Company emerged in 1902 from the merger of several firms including Hazel Glass and the Atlas Glass Company, and over time became one of America’s largest glass manufacturers, especially noted for its Depression-era pressed glassware and tableware. During the 1930s and into the early 1940s, the company introduced a l
The Hazel-Atlas Glass Company emerged in 1902 from the merger of several firms including Hazel Glass and the Atlas Glass Company, and over time became one of America’s largest glass manufacturers, especially noted for its Depression-era pressed glassware and tableware. During the 1930s and into the early 1940s, the company introduced a line called Moderntone (sometimes also called “Wedding Band”), which featured Art Deco‐inspired motifs and often used fired-on sailboat decals in its “Ships” variant. Originally made in crystal (clear) glass starting about 1934, Moderntone later was applied in pastel and vivid colors over the semi-opaque white glass known as Platonite (introduced by Hazel-Atlas in the mid-1930s) . Production of Moderntone ran until about 1942
Fire-King
Fire-King was originally produced in the 1940s for everyday use, rather than display. It was often sold in bags of flour as a promotional item or was given away at gas stations. Fire-King could also be purchased at local grocery and hardware stores. Several varieties of Fire-King dishes were made; nesting bowls, dessert bowls, glass bever
Fire-King was originally produced in the 1940s for everyday use, rather than display. It was often sold in bags of flour as a promotional item or was given away at gas stations. Fire-King could also be purchased at local grocery and hardware stores. Several varieties of Fire-King dishes were made; nesting bowls, dessert bowls, glass beverage containers, casserole dishes, mugs and more. The vintage nesting bowls, produced by the Anchor Hocking Company, are one of the most sought after collectible dishes of this type.
Glasbake
Glasbake has a rich and unique history, and the kitchenware often raises questions for vintage and antique collectors regarding its usability, similarity to Pyrex glass bakeware, safety, and maintenance requirements. This article will address common questions and concerns related to Glasbake.
Glasbake kitchenware was first introduced in 1
Glasbake has a rich and unique history, and the kitchenware often raises questions for vintage and antique collectors regarding its usability, similarity to Pyrex glass bakeware, safety, and maintenance requirements. This article will address common questions and concerns related to Glasbake.
Glasbake kitchenware was first introduced in 1917 by the McKee Glass Company (based in Jeannette Pennsylvania). The kitchenware was designed to rival the popular Pyrex ovenware product line that had been created by Corning Glass Works during the time period.The kitchenware was originally spelled “Glasbak,” and was later changed to “Glasbake,” during its release year.
During the initial half of the 20th century, housewives were gravitating toward more modernized kitchenware. These women were seeking dishware that could help cut down time spent in the kitchen. Glasbake ovenware accomplished this by providing a seamless transition from oven to table to refrigerator.