The specialty seller has the advantage of learning their niche market, the manufacturers and type of products produced. Color, form and quality produce excitement even before seeing the manufacturer’s mark. That gives the collector an edge on being able to spot a reproduction.

As a generalist I have had to learn the names of many factories. After these long years spent collecting, I can spot the work of a great many companies even before I turn the piece to look at the label.

I’ll spot a school sports medallion from the twenties and guess rightly that the maker was William Schridde Co. of Chicago. How? I guess the depth and clarity of the athlete’s figure make my guess an easy bet. While I don’t collect Noritake china, I’m always picking up a piece to admire while strolling through an antique mall.

If I find a tie clasp with an industrial theme, and on back it reads Mercury Industries, I have just added five bucks to the price.

As an Internet seller for the last thirteen years, I’m very aware of the attraction that the company name associated with a type of antique or vintage collectible is important to many buyers, even with the oldest and oddest things we sell. Here is a quick visual list of some of the “brand” names and the product association.

Pyrex mixing bowls are fun to collect and are so strong and sturdy that a lot of collectors choose to put them to work. The bowls add a splash of color to the kitchen when displayed on shelves and make attractive serving dishes at mealtime.

Pyrex gained fame in the early 1900s by developing the first ovenware made from glass. Over time, they marketed other glass products for the kitchen, including mixing bowls, which they continue to produce to this day. The mixing bowls came in a variety of sizes, styles and colors and have become a favorite for collectors of kitchenware. Many collectors are attracted to the nesting bowls, which are bowls of different sizes that fit inside one another like nesting dolls, while others look for bowls in a favorite pattern or color. The book Pyrex: The Unauthorized Collector’s Guide is a great resource for collectors and includes price guides and pictures of the various mixing bowl designs created by Pyrex.

One should search for flawless Pyrex mixing bowls, since any damage can diminish the value of the item significantly : bowls without any chips, cracks, stains or scratched paint. Run your fingers lightly around the rim to feel for small chips that might have escaped your notice. You probably won’t want to use bowls that are in mint condition since regular use is bound to bring down the value, but if you find some pretty, slightly damaged bowls then pick them up and enjoy them as eye-catching kitchen tools.

With proper care, your Pyrex mixing bowls can last a long time. While they’re sturdy, keep in mind that they are made from glass and should be protected from chipping. The bowls should be washed by hand, since the harsh environment of the dishwasher can cause the colorful paint to fade. Also, don’t store them near anything with sharp edges that might scratch the paint.

Pyrex mixing bowls can often be found in antiques malls and flea markets. They sometimes turn up for bargain prices at garage sales and thrift stores, so keep your eyes open. Online auctions are another great source for vintage Pyrex mixing bowls.