Vintage Kitchen Collectibles

The first two decades of the twentieth century brought on a previously unseen appreciation of the kitchen, the tasks completed there, and the needs of woman relegated to provide for the family. Introduction at the end of the nineteenth century, the concept of furnishing the kitchen caught on as the first real kitchen furniture was offered in the form of the bakers cabinet, often incorrectly called a "Hoosier." The bakers cabinet was a freestanding unit that provided storage and preparation space with doors, drawers, and a metal countertop. Early counter surfaces were zinc, but soon porcelain became the predominate choice for the work surface stayed cool, making it ideal for rolling dough while durable enough to withstand the placement of hot objects directly on it. As is the norm for any successful product, once baker's cabinets were in demand many companies began to design and manufacture them. Hoosier cabinets were produced in northern Indiana, and these are the only cabinets that truly deserve the "Hoosier" label. The earliest cabinets had solid hardwood construction. As tastes changed and color was introduced into the kitchen, these "Dutch" cabinets as they were often called, evolved to meet the manufacture and the user.

The success of the "Dutch" cabinets naturally lead to the creation of additional pieces as manufacturing companies attempted to get repeat business from American households; companion cabinets with shelves for canned goods, cabinets for storing mops and brooms, and base cabinets to provide what we call now counter space.

By the mid- 1920s Americans were experiencing a time of prosperity. There was money to be spent; most women had been able to modernize their homes with electricity, running water, and free standing kitchen furniture. Glass companies enjoyed the success by marketing glassware designed to fit inside storage cabinets; jars for spices, canisters for flour, sugar, coffee, and tea, and even refrigerator containers for the icebox. It was at this time the scientists at Corning Glass Works were successfully selling the first "tempered" glass, glass able to withstand extreme temperature changes. Leftovers in the icebox could be places directly into the stove and cooking became easier. Of course other glass companies created refrigerator dishes. Jeannette Glass Company, McKee Glass Company and more. Corning set the standard with their PYREX line of ovenware and other companies played catch up often with a high degree of success. This is one reason vintage Pyrex bowls are in demand. Corning became the leader in glass bakeware. Vintage Pyrex Bake Ware was the leader in kitchenware that could go from the kitchen refrigerator to the oven and then directly on the dinning room table.

These are picture of my vintage Pyrex baking dish. I do not have an exact value on this dish as it is a family heirloom and I have no desire to sell it. The baking dish itself is stamped on the bottom with:

• patented
• S
• PYREX
• $ ( not quite the right symbol, but I am unable to duplicate it. Looks like two Cs overlapping on top of each other and a line going through it. The top C is backwards.
• May 27, 1919

This is a baking dish my grandmother used. My mother used this baking dish. And now I use this baking dish. Other than the glass turning a little yellow and bubbles in the glass there are no cracks or chips in the glassware. The baking dish sits in a silver carafe.

Bakelite was developed by Belgian chemist Dr, Leo Baekeland in 1907. As a result of his efforts a new product was developed that was versatile enough to be stretched, molded, laminated, and colored. Named for Baekeland, Bakelite was created and used throughout the home for eighteen years before becoming Bakelite flatware. In 1925 colorful Bakelite Handled knives were introduced as means of accessorizing stainless steel place settings. Six cheerful knives sold for $14.00 in May 1929; this was a significant investment. The Great Depression brought a reduction in price and 6 knives offered for a mere $9.75 in April of 1930. Collectors often wondered why there are more vintage Bakelite knives than forks and spoons and the answer is simple there were more made. It wasn't until America experienced economic recovery in the mid - 1930s that Bakelite sets were produced.These were predominately luncheon or picnic sets of six forks and six knives; most sets never had spoons. Bakelite kitchen tools followed and were produced mainly from the mid - 1930s until World War II. The photo of the antique Bakelite flatware is from an ols picnic set that my mother had.

Jadeite is the term given to opaque green glass oven-to-table kitchenware produced by Anchor Hocking under their "Fire-King" brand and also by Jeanette, Fenton and others. Anchor Hocking Glass Co. introduced Fire-King in 1942 and produced it until 1976. It is found with a molded mark on the base and came in a variety of patterns and colors. Shapes, patterns, and sizes can affect value enormously, so pay attention to forms and details such as spouts, covers, and weight. As it is usable, often affordable, nostalgic and attractive, a large following has developed.

Marks on the base differ and can help identify the period the piece was made with the earliest simply reading "Fire-King" and dating from 1942-1945. The name 'Anchor Hocking' was used in marks from 1960 onward. Reproductions are becoming increasingly common, especially of Fire-King Jadeite produced in the far East, so collectors should consult reference works and handle as many pieces as possible. Always examine edges for chips and damage such as scuffs as this reduces value.

The picture of the Fire King Jadeite batter bowl is my own. This bowl does have the Fire King trademark on the bottom.

Anchor Hocking Fire King Jadeite is also spelled Jadite, as in Fire King Jadite for Sale.

The Internet has revolutionized the trading of collectibles. Compared to a piece of furniture, most collectibles are easily defined, described and photographed. Shipping is also comparatively easy, due to average size and weight. Prices are also generally more affordable and accessible than for antiques and the Internet has produced a cost effective way of buying and selling, away from the overhead of shops and auction rooms. Many millions of collectibles are offered for sale and traded daily, with sites varying from global online market places, such as eBay, to specialized dealers' websites.

When searching online, remember that some people may not know how to accurately describe their item. General category searches, even though more time consuming, and even purposefully misspelling a name, can yield results. Also, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Get to know your market visually, so that you can tell the difference between a real bargain and something that sounds like one, is a good start.

As you will understand, color photography is vital - look for online listings that include as many images as possible and check them carefully. Beware that colors can appear differently, even between computer screens.

Always ask the vendor questions about the object, particularly regarding condition. If there is no image, or you want to see another aspect of the object - ask. Most sellers (private or trade) will want to realize the best price for their items so will be more than happy to help.You will probably have to pay additional transaction fees such as packing, shipping and possibly regional or national taxes. It is always best to ask for an estimate for these additional costs before leaving a bid. This will also help you tailor your bid as you will have an idea of the maximum price the item will cost if you are successful.

Vintage Kitchen Collectibles by amineshaker