The Pyrex Series: JAJ, Agee & Clear Pyrex

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

This is going to be a pretty short post, as I am not very knowledgeable about this topic! Today we are going to briefly discuss non-U.S. Pyrex. There was a fair amount of Pyrex made in the U.K. which is called J.A.J. Pyrex. The other type of Pyrex we will discuss was made in Australia and it is referred to as Agee Pyrex. I have little information on either of these types of Pyrex, being in the U.S., but will attempt to point you in the right direction to if you're interested in learning more!


JAJ Pyrex, originally uploaded by jenib320.
JAJ can sometimes be found in the United States, because it seems a lot more of it was produced than Agee. I have not yet come across any (to my knowledge!) but the patterns are certainly different than the standard U.S. patterns. They also come in different shapes. There are a few pieces of JAJ that are similar to U.S. patterns. There is a set of teal Gooseberry cinderella bowls, and a pink snowflake divided dish. A simple search for "JAJ Pyrex" on flickr will lead you to flickr members who own some JAJ. The above image is a scan of a JAJ catalog that Mackem 54 scanned in. Check out their set of JAJ photos, very cool!


pretty pyrex bowls, originally uploaded by lottielulu.
These bowls are a beautiful example of Agee Pyrex. I literally know nothing about this type of Pyrex! The shapes and sizes again seem to be different form the U.S. patterns. It also seems safe to say that at least some of the patterns used graduated color, which is quite nice! I'd love to get my hands on a few of these bowls one day! :) The above photo belongs to lottielulu. Check out her stream for more great images!


Glass Refrigerator Dishes, originally uploaded by jenib320.
Finally, I'm going to go ahead and mention clear pyrex, mostly because I don't know where else to write about it! Clear glass Pyrex bakeware was first produced in 1915. As I'm sure you all know, Pyrex still produced clear glass bakeware today! For a great history on Pyrex check out the Pyrex website and Pyrexlove for more information!

Next we're going to start getting into some of the more fun stuff! We are done talking about patterns/sizes/shapes, and will be moving on to some practical information about caring for your pyrex! In the meantime, are there any questions that you all have so far? Please post your questions in the comments and I'll round them up and respond to them in an extra post (since I was so late last week!) between now and next week!

9 comments :

  1. I saw some of the clear glass pyrex at an antique store this weekend!! I loved it! I think you're getting me into pyrex!

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  2. First, thank you SO MUCH for doing this series! I'm new to collecting Pyrex, and have learned a lot already from your very useful posts. One question I have as a newbie (sorry if it's a dumb one) is how do you find matching lids? And how do you know if the lid with a casserole you find in a thrift store is the original one? Thanks!

    p.s. I think JAJ is more plentiful in Canada as well as I've already come across a few pieces... :)

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  3. I have alot of Agee Pyrex. It is an Australian Pyrex from what i understand. I have take some photos of my Pyrex and it is more clear glass than the colored ones you get in the US.

    I love seeing all your Pyrex. Jealous of course!

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  4. i'm in Canada too, and come across JAJ fairly frequently. sometimes they say "Pyrex" and "JAJ", othertimes they just say "JAJ". some of them have really neat little "handles" on the casserole dishes, more decorative looking than regular Pyrex, and i've come across some really gorgeous patterns.

    now i'm going to be on the lookout for Agee!

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  5. I have quite a few pieces of both Agee and JAJ pyrex, as I am currently living in Australia. You can see them at my blog starting here http://caninethespian.blogspot.com/2011/11/beautiful-agee-pyrex.html

    I'd love to get my hands on a guide for JAJ pyrex and Agee pyrex, but I think I may have to do it myself!

    I like your blog.

    xx Nicole

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    Replies
    1. Nicole: Did you ever pen that book about JAJ and Agee Pyrex? Would love to buy a copy?

      Thanks,
      Laurie in Canada

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  6. I collect Agee Pyrex (and I quilt!). Agee stands for AG which stands for Australian Glass (the company that made it ). Australian Pyrex was made from the early 60s onwards, and the designs and colours are very Australian (flannel flowers, for instance, which is my favourite!), and quite different to the US ranges, although still with the same Pyrex "spirit". You can see some of my photos on my Flickr stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltingmick/sets/72157594208410387/

    You can also find out more info on Agee, including how JAJ and Agee crossed over here (this was news to me!)

    http://www.corellecorner.com/company-history/413-agee-crown-pyrex-crown-ovenware-crown-crystal-glass-australia.html

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  7. Hi, Very informative postings, Thank you! I have a question though. How about the fire king casseroles? Are they less popular than pyres ones? If so why would it be?

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    1. Hi, Heather:
      Fire-King casserole dishes are definitely popular, but Pyrex continues to be KING! LOL I have several myself, especially the Peach Lustre. Love it!

      Your Sister in Pyrex,
      Laurie in Canada

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