What kind of emotion does the word Pyrex conjure up in your vintage heart? For me, it takes me back to a time when my grandmother used various Pyrex pieces as a vessel for serving or storing her amazing meals. Long ago, this special glass was called borosilicate and was used in science labs because it stood up nicely when intense heat was applied. In 1915 this unique glass was acquired by Corning Glassware and the name Pyrex was born. The use of borosilicate glass was used until 1998 until it was replaced with a less costly glass that was even better at performing under heat. Prior to 1947, Pyrex was basically clear. But, in 1947 colored Pyrex pieces were introduced and their popularity is still strong today!
Pyrex Perfection
Eventually, the Pyrex market expanded to include various shapes, sizes, and patterns. Many pieces are considered standard and are still very popular today, but the most sought- after pieces are the ones that are considered “promotional” ones that were in production for a short time. These promotional pieces are generally more costly to acquire. According to an article atwww.shared.com/pyrex-patterns-worth-money/ the following is a list of the top 8 collectible patterns that can be valuable to collectors:
“Lucky in Love” – (1959) A pink heart and shamrock pattern
“Butterprint” (1957) also known as “Amish Buttercup”, “Farmer’s Wife” and “Rooster & Corn” –
“Gooseberry” (1957) – A botanical pattern in pink/white, black/white, black/yellow
“New Dots” (1968) – orange, blue, yellow or green dotted pattern
“Rainbow Stripe (1965) – Striped set in pink, sandalwood and blue
“Snowflake” or “Garland” (1972) – Blue and white snowflake with pouring spouts
“Pink Daisy” (1956) – Pink floral pattern
Look for Pyrex at many of the Wonderful Texas Antique Shops
Luckily for collectors or for those that just enjoy adding some of these lovely Pyrex pieces to their own kitchens, they can be easily found. Look for Pyrex at many of the wonderful vintage shops found within TexasVintageShopper.com!
References
Brandon Shinholser, 2009. Vintage Pyrex 101: A Guide to Pyrex, Estatesales.org
Owner of “Unearthed” Sales and Locator Service, specializing in locating antique and vintage treasures as well as freelance writing on historical, antique and vintage topics.
8.5.19 ROUND TOP, TEXAS – If an antique show had secrets, what would they be? The October 1- 5 Marburger Farm Antique Show in Round Top, Texas spills some secrets here. For instance, did you know that shoppers can actually enter the show early on Tuesday October 1 at 8 a.m.? And did you know that those very early birds will find a complimentary continental breakfast, coffee and shopping in the early Texas buildings at the show’s Tuesday Tailgate Breakfast? Not to mention early parking and an opportunity to swap tales with top interior designers who are part of the Designer Dream Spree tour.
What other secrets? Marburger exhibitor Susan Wheeler from Susan Wheeler Home in Seattle shares this surprising secret: “Never shop with a plan. Be open to what you find.” Where has that led Wheeler for the fall show in Round Top? To pink! Pink? Yes, amid the pearl gray and black upholstered French and Italian furniture for which she is known, look for Wheeler’s pink in Mid-Century Modern art, in antique dishes, in pillows made from vintage Indian saris with gold thread, and for the first time, in a selection of 1960s-80s designer clothing by Lanvin, Pucci and all their friends.
More secrets? “If an antique speaks to you, don’t stress over whether it will work in your house. If you love something, it will work with all the other things that you love because of you,” says North Carolina exhibitor Joanne La Poma. Exhibiting in Marburger’s air-conditioned General Store building, La Poma deals in the secrets that emerge from the earth. In addition to collections of Victorian jewelry and sterling baby gifts, her inventory includes fossils and mineral specimens, most about 150 million years old. “When they dig a vein, you never know what they will find.” La Poma will offer copper specimens from old Michigan mines, as well as ammonite fossils that display well in many settings, from homes to offices to commercial spaces.
A few more secrets about Marburger Farm: on Tuesday, October 1, look for book signings by Annie Sloan of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ and by Leslie Sinclair of Segreto Finishes, as well as visits with one of the show’s sponsor, Chairish, and the folks from Schumacher with their exquisite magazine. Of course, you definitely want to look for the new Bingo Hall Biergarten by Back Porch BBQ and the new cocktails bar by Ellis Motel Emporium and Lounge.
Along those lines, on Wednesday, October 2, from 3 to 5 p.m., enjoy Whiskey Wednesday, the annual Marburger whiskey tasting bash by guest bartender Tara Suel, Marburger’s Chief Connections Officer. All donations will go to the Brookwood Community and Dwell with Dignity.
More dealer secrets? Getting a trade secret from Bob Bixby of Farm & Factory Interiors in Missouri is a big deal. Bixby and his wife Becky run one of the largest UL Certified repurposed lighting companies in the United States, serving interior designers, homeowners, commercial and restaurant customers with large scale industrial chandeliers, sconces and other lighting. “My secret is simple,” says Bob Bixby. “Offer unusual pieces and great design at a fair price.” How will that translate in the fall show? New designs are coming in response to shopper requests for sconces and other wall lighting, such as industrial vanity and porch lights. Plus, massive steel chandeliers will be displayed in a context of antique furniture, old advertising signs and a huge Iowa step back glass-front cupboard. Throw in some fall garden furnishings and you have antique-industrial paradise.
Another version of paradise will arrive with Charleston, South Carolina exhibitor Letha Polk of Le Petite Tresor. “Everywhere I go, I’m always searching for vintage rattan and a funky mix —everything from unusual old-school pieces to Mid-Century Modern.” That’s her secret: “It’s the mix that makes a home work. Buy across different styles and eras.” This show’s mix will include a pair of six foot tall rattan chairs with backs that curve high up over the sitter, plus a metal Chinese Chippendale fretwork coffee table turned into an ottoman, a sleek Danish Modern sofa and a pair of Milo Baughman metal chairs with cane backs that Polk describes as “killer crazy good” —antiques dealer secret language for the best of the best.
The final and best secret comes from Texas dealer Rodney Cooley of Urban Habitat. Along with his wife Shonte, Cooley will offer a 15 foot farmhouse table from Pennsylvania, an industrial table/kitchen island with metal locker topped by a huge chopping block and a collection of Victorian cast iron outdoor furniture (porch season starts in Texas around October 1). His secret? “Those of us who buy and sell and live with antiques love what we do. We all really love this. We could shop seven days a week and never complain.”
Never complain? Now that’s a secret worth knowing! Come shop with the 350 exhibitors at Marburger Farm on 43 acres of fun. Look for every style, era and price point, from antiquities to Mid-Century Modern to the select artisans with original arts. One admission is good all week and includes your parking and WIFI. The show opens Tuesday, October 1, with Early Buying at 10 a.m. for $25 admission —or Tailgate Tuesday Breakfast at 8 a.m. Regular $10 admission begins from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day and continues on Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 and Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On-site shipping is offered by Distinguished Transport and UPS. Advance tickets and group tickets are available. See information on travel, maps, vendors, prizes, special events, lodging, on-site shipping and the Marburger Cafe at www.roundtop-marburger.com or call Ashley Ferguson at 800-947-5799. Follow show news on Facebook and Instagram @marburgerfarm.
The Huntsville Antique Show is held each September in historic Huntsville, Texas in the air-conditioned comfort of the Walker County Fairgrounds located at 3925 HWY 30, 77340, just three miles west of Huntsville on Highway 30 (Exit 116). Huntsville is located an hour north of Houston, on I-45. There is a $7.00 Admission fee and Children under 12 get in free. The Huntsville Antique show hosts more than 65 quality dealers from across the U.S. offering a wide array of antiques to suit every budget and taste.
Huntsville Antique Show Offers Something for Everyone: Guns, Jewelry
Shoppers will find items from furniture and fine estate & costume jewelry, gold, coins, glassware, vintage Boots for women, turquoise, Roseville, Weller, and linens, Transferware, Stoneware, Fostoria, Guns, Royal Daulton, Sterling of all kinds, Tartan Ware, Baccarat, Lalique, Lladro, Sabino, Kitchen Collectibles, Books, Postcards, Primitives and Art.
There is something for everyone, and you never know what you might find.
Shoppers are encouraged to check out photos from prior years as well as the Huntsville show dealer list. These photos offer an idea of the fun and variety that are the hallmarks of this show, which had a record Crowd in 2017! Photos can be found on the Huntsville Antique Show Facebook page.
Huntsville, Texas: Numerous Activities For Weekend Road Trip
In 2016, the Huntsville Antique show had a great year with a crowd of over 2100 shoppers & record booth sales. Anyone who would like to be a vendor at the next show should send an email to [email protected]. The Huntsville Antique show staff is always happy to answer questions and visit with their antiquing friends.
Huntsville is a historic town with an old-fashioned courthouse square, surrounded by antique shops and specialty stores. Along with finding unique treasures at the Huntsville Antique Show, visitors can also visit the home of Sam Houston located on the ground of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum complex. Huntsville is home to Sam Houston State University, the Raven’s Nest golf course, and Huntsville State Park so there is no shortage of activities to fill a weekend.
The Lone Star brewery acquired WWI Army surplus propellers from Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. These were repurposed and distributed by the brewery from 1941-1942 with a clock or shield. The porcelain shield was produced in 2 sizes. There were a few variations with neon or painted letters on the blades. The propellers were originally used on the Army Air Corp. training plane Curtiss JN4-H and later JN4-J (Jenny). Over the years peopled removed the signs and kept the props.
According to a letter written to all Lone Star Distributors by Harry Jersig, Vice-President In Charge of Sales on March 19, 1941, these signs were 23 years old (at that time) and originally cost the United States government $125.00 each. They were in the shape of a propeller and measured eight feet, three inches long and made of wood with an enamel sign and a special type of electric globe with flasher attached.
Charlie Staats August 12, 2018
Lone Star Beer Propeller Signs Installed in Retail Outlets
These Lone Star Beer propeller signs were highly finished in oak or mahogany and were in absolutely new condition. These propeller signs were installed in the retail outlets by means of a chain hanging from each end of the blade and attached to the ceiling or wall.
According to the letter, these propeller signs were limited to a small number of outlets and only in outlets opposed to putting up any other Lone Star point of purchase material and had stucco or a similar type of finished walls.
The propeller signs were sold to the outlets for $35 with a deposit of $3 required to be paid by the outlet to the distributor before shipment was made. These propeller signs were considered to be the property of the brewery at all times and were subject to being returned to the distributor on demand. The $3 deposit was refunded if the propeller sign was returned to the brewery for any reason.
How to Spot a Lone Star Beer Propeller without Sign
Look for the hanging screw holes on the edge of the blades. The holes will be about half way between the hub and the bottom of the prop.
Tina Melonakes assists Steven Porterfield with vintage clothing, hats, handbags and jewelry, at his antiques store “The Cat’s Meow” in Midland, Texas. Steven said all of these vintage items are selling well in his store located at 408 Andrews Highway in Midland, Texas.
Tina also assists Steven in restoring and repairing antique, vintage clothing and accessories.
Renell Moore July 8, 2018
Trends with Younger Clientele is Taking Old Stuff, Recreating it
Tina said the latest trends with the younger clientele is to take the old stuff and recreate it. For example, taking an old enamel stove and recreating it into a wine bar. The vintage prom dresses are also a popular fad.
“All the kids like the upcycled stuff. They like the old farmhouse look.
As for fine china, “If you can’t put it in the dishwasher, they don’t want it. Silver – they don’t have time to polish it.”
Certain Vintage Hat Styles Popular
Steven said a lot of women are wearing hats now. He is currently selling a lot of vintage hats.
“I have 300 to 400 in the back room that I need to bring out for display.” Certain styles sell well, like the big outrageous hats for the Derby parties. Fascinators are a big fad. Fascinators are little cocktail hats. The little girls love these hats and they sell for $15 in his store. The fascinators are also being used as wedding veils.
Another popular trend is to use vintage jewelry to make a wedding bouquet out of vintage brooches.
Vintage Clothing: Purses, Furs Back in Style
Other popular items are vintage purses from the 1970’s and furs are back in style for the fall season.
“I buy tons of stuff from all over the world – Americans have more stuff than most other countries do.”
In the past, Americans were fascinated with royalty and other cultures so they would purchase Chinese antiques and bring them back to America.
More Chinese Antiques in America Than China
“We have more Chinese antiques in America than in China.”
Masses of Chinese people are coming over to buy antiques to take back to China – I have about 5 young men who come through the store several times a year. They will purchase any Chinese antiques they find.
The Glen Flora Emporium is currently filled with 8,000 square feet of quality antiques. The store is well organized, clean and air conditioned. If you didn’t know her store had flooded 10 months before, you would never even suspect it. Owner, Trish Winkles would like everyone to know that she is open to the public, and would like to encourage shoppers to come by and visit her.
Trish recalls the effects of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Her small community had been devastated after 3 feet of water overflowed from the Colorado River on August 29, 2017 and ran rampant through the small town. Trish not only owned The Glen Flora Emporium, but also the resale shop located next door.
Shelving Lost in Glen Flora Resale Shop
On the evening of the 29th the water came up fast and flooded the town within 45 minutes. Trish and her husband were at home furiously working to get all their rescue animal kennels – 20 dogs and 18 cats – out of her backyard and safely into her house. Fortunately, they were able to save all of their animals, but she said this was one of the most stressful times during the flooding for her.
Eight inches of water flowed into her antiques shop, located just down the road from her home. The river crested on the 30th and the flooding lasted 3 days. Fifteen inches of rain filled her resale shop next door, and she lost all of her shelving there and a lot of merchandise.
Volunteers Haul Glen Flora Flood Debris
After three days, she and her husband were able to get back into the shop to start shoveling mud. The mosquitoes were terrible and volunteers brought supplies and bug spray.
Trish recalled one of the local tree farmers bringing a dumpster and setting it right in front of her resale shop door. She said volunteers helped her haul out all of the wet debris and ruined items.
Flooding Aftermath Brings Healing to Glen Flora
Trish had determined to close the shop, but when one of her vendors, Ginger, asked her to remain open, she decided to keep it open.
She said it was a good decision. In the aftermath of the flooding, her neighbors would come into her shop and talk about the flooding. Everyone shared their stories and it was a time of therapeutic healing .
“We didn’t greet each other with Hi, how are you? We greeted one another with “Did you flood?”
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