Topic: request for some information on Pyrex.

[Paul S.]

Until recently I collected the occasional piece of Pyrex - but in the pursuit of economy of space gave almost all of it all away.   This piece I saw on Monday morning and couldn't resist it's appeal, and thought you might all (well at least one or two of you) like to share the image. Originating in the States in about 1915, Pyrex was a trade name for heat resistant glass from the Corning factory.     Pyrex is seen commonly almost everywhere, but early pieces like this which come part of an EPNS metal stand must be unusual  -  this is the first I have seen like this at the boot sales.   Diameter of glass is about 185mm (with handles about 245mm).  The metalwork carries the No. 654 (on the inside) - is stamped E.P.N.S. and B.P. Co., and says 'B.M. MOUNTS' (I assume Bright Metal).    The glass base part carries the embossed circular emblem  showing  PYREX  surrounded by "Patented May 27 1919".   But it's the other Nos. on the glass that are perhaps more interesting.....which look like 'U167 - 506'.    Do these indicate a date perhaps?    The cutting on the lid is quite attractive.     Do let me know if there are any thoughts on this, and thanks for looking.
References:    Glass Fact File - Ivo Haanstra  -  Miller's Guides - 2001.

[Alsretro]

Sorry I can't help on the glass enquiry but the BM you refer to stands for Britannia Metal.

[Paul S.]

my thanks for your help, and the correction is appreciated  -  I do seem to recall that name now you mention it.   Since it is, apparently, more like pewter, I suppose it saved having to plate the handles (unlike the rest of the stand which is electro plated).

[chriscooper]

No relevance to the thread, apparently the Oscar award statuettes are made of Britannia metal coated in Gold :hj:
Chris

[Cathy B]

When it first came out, Pyrex was quite swish. You find it in jeweller's catalogues right into the 1940s.

[Paul S.]

Well, I am surprised  "You find it in jeweller's catalogues right into the 1940s" - although have to say that whilst the elctro plating has almost all gone from the metalwork on this one, I can imagine that when new it must have been a really attractive item, and it might almost be worth having it re-plated.   I really need now to find out what the numbers are indicating - I'm hoping they will tell me the date of manufacture.

[Littleblackhen]

There is a website devoted to Pyrex   http://www.pyrexlove.com/about/

They also have a flickr group where you can post photos for identification.

In fact if you google "Pyrex collecting" there are an amazing number of sites devoted to it 

[Ivo]

The proper answer when anyone asks you "hey what's your sign?" is  "I'm a Pyrex - I was a test tube baby".   

[Adam]

Apart from the decoration on the lid, this looks almost identical to one which my mother had, and frequently used, all through my childhood and beyond.  Probably a wedding present (c. 1926) and if it was UK made (Jobling) it would be after around 1919 when they started making Pyrex.  I have never seen Pyrex engraved/etched or whatever like this lid but of course that could have been done anywhere and any time.

Adam D.

[Paul S.]

Adam - thanks for your interest, and would agree with you that Pyrex in this design does almost certainly originate somewhere in the early 1920's, although whether this is specifically a Jobling piece I'm not entirely sure just yet.    Despite the help and suggestions from people, I haven't yet found access to data for design/pattern Nos., so can't quite yet 'run it down' so to speak.    Looking at the section on Pyrex Glass in Leslie Jackson's book "20th Century Factory Glass", the cut decoration on the lid of my piece would seem to be original - insofar as it was probably done at the time of manufacture  -  as it appears very similar to the lid decoration shown on page 54 of Jackson's book.
I was very surprised indeed to actually find a piece of Pyrex that was this old - almost 90 years!!   -  would have thought it had all long since gone to that big glass mausoleum in the sky
I like Ivo's sense of humour - although maybe his suggestion for a star sign should have been  'I'm a Pyrex - a was a casserole baby' - something about a bun in the oven