Pyrex Barcode: Complete Collector’s Guide
Pyrex Barcode is one of the most visually striking earth-tone patterns — bold vertical stripes in warm brown, tan, and rust tones on white glass, made from 1978 to 1983. Despite being relatively late in the production era, it’s less common than most collectors expect.
About Barcode
Barcode features bold vertical bands of color — alternating warm earth tones (brown, tan, rust, cream) arranged in a barcode-like striped pattern across the surface. The design is boldly geometric and distinctly late-1970s in aesthetic.
Production years: 1978–1983
Colors: Earth-tone vertical stripes (brown, tan, rust, cream) on white glass
Shapes made: Cinderella bowls (441–444), casseroles, bake dishes
The collector nickname “Barcode” is informal — Corning didn’t use this name. The pattern is distinguished by its unmistakable vertical stripe motif.
→ Track your Barcode collection
Barcode Value Guide (2026)
Cinderella Bowls
| Piece | Model | Mint | Good | Fair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 441 | $35–$60 | $20–$35 | $10–$20 |
| Medium | 442 | $40–$68 | $22–$40 | $12–$22 |
| Large | 443 | $50–$85 | $28–$50 | $15–$28 |
| Jumbo | 444 | $70–$115 | $38–$70 | $20–$38 |
| Complete set | 441–444 | $195–$330 | $108–$195 | — |
Casseroles & Bake Dishes
| Piece | Mint | Good |
|---|---|---|
| Round casserole (with lid) | $45–$75 | $25–$45 |
| Oval casserole | $50–$80 | $28–$50 |
| Rectangle bake dish | $40–$70 | $22–$40 |
| Bake dish with lid | $55–$90 | $30–$55 |
Why Barcode Is Underappreciated
Barcode sits in a positioning gap that makes it perpetually undervalued:
- It’s not a 1950s grail, so it doesn’t get grail attention
- It’s not as widely known as Butterprint or Gooseberry
- The earth-tone palette feels less exciting than the bright 1950s colors to casual collectors
This creates opportunity. Barcode is genuinely less common than patterns like Autumn Harvest and Woodland — it was produced for five years versus eight or more for the most common earth-tone patterns, and in fewer shapes. Collectors who do their research can find it underpriced.
Condition Notes
Barcode’s earth-tone decoration is relatively robust — the warm brown tones are less prone to visible fading than brighter colors. Condition issues to check:
- Glass cloudiness — dishwasher etching appears as whitish haze
- Stripe definition — fine lines between stripes should be crisp
- Rim chips — common on well-used pieces; check the rim carefully
- Inside staining — heavy food storage can leave staining inside casseroles
The bold stripes make condition easier to evaluate than fine-line patterns — obvious fading shows clearly on the wide color bands.
Display Notes
Barcode is a distinctive display piece. The bold vertical stripes photograph well and create strong visual interest on a shelf. It pairs naturally with other earth-tone patterns (Woodland, Autumn Harvest, Old Orchard) but also contrasts effectively against the bright-color 1950s pieces.
Finding Barcode
Barcode turns up at thrift stores with moderate frequency — less often than Spring Blossom Green or Autumn Harvest, more often than the 1950s patterns. Its distinctive striped pattern is visually unmistakable once you know it.
Estate sales in suburban areas from the late 1970s–early 1980s era housing stock are the most productive source.
Related Patterns
- Autumn Harvest — same era, warm fall leaves
- Woodland — same era, mushrooms and leaves
- Old Orchard — same earth-tone family