Pyrex Compatibles - Butterfly Gold (1972)

This line of Pyrex was introduced in 1972 to complement the Corelle pattern first launched in 1970.  The original design on the ovenware and nesting bowls is symmetrical with a large flower in the centre flanked on either side by leaves, butterflies and smaller flowers.  The colour scheme of the complete sets alternates between white on gold and gold on white.  The greatest variety of pieces is available with the original pattern, as it seems it was in the early years that many new shapes and sizes were introduced and then quickly dropped.  All pieces with the original 1972 design were discontinued by 1979, if not earlier.

Initially, oval casseroles and divided dishes were equipped with patterned opal Pyrex lids.  By mid 1977 this was no longer the case, so ovals manufactured during the later part of this pattern's lifespan came with clear Pyrex lids.  Since divided dishes were dropped prior to 1977, they never have clear lids.

401 & 402 with the new 1979 design in orange and yellow, and 401 with the original 1972 design in gold.

The pattern was updated in 1979 and the new version features a bouquet of smaller flowers on stems flowing from left to right.  The new colour scheme on the complete sets alternates between a darker orange-gold and a lighter yellow-gold shade with the pattern in white.  From 1979 to 1981, its final year, the selection of Butterfly Gold was limited to nesting bowl sets and 470/480 round casseroles.  Corelle in this pattern remained in production for many years afterwards.  

Beginning in 1979 through to 1981, 474 and 475 casseroles were packaged individually with the numbers 484 or 485 on the boxes.  Normally when the 474 was part of a set, it was the lighter yellow-gold shade, but when it was sold singly it was decorated with the darker orange-gold colour.

It is unfortunate that a popular reference book claims that Butterfly Gold Pyrex dates from the 'late 60s'.  That turns out to be false.  There is no doubt that it was introduced in 1972 to complement the Corelle Livingware pattern.

(Photo: 501 refrigerator dish.)

Nesting Bowls:

Original Design 1972:

300 Series Round - 401, 402, 403 - gold, white, gold

400 Series Round - 401, 402, 403, 404 - gold, white, gold, white

440 Series Cinderella - 441, 442, 443, 444 - white, gold, white, gold

New Design 1979:

300 Series Round - 401, 402, 403 - orange, yellow, orange

440 Series Cinderella - 441, 442, 443, 444 - yellow, orange, yellow, orange

Ovenware:

Original Design 1972:

4 Quart Round Casserole - 664 - gold

2 Quart Round Bottom Casserole - 024 - white

Cinderella Casseroles (470 Set) - 471, 472, 473 - gold, white, gold

Cinderella Casseroles (480 Set) - 473, 474, 475 - gold, white, gold

Oval Casseroles - 043/943, 045/945 - both gold, with patterned opal lids, or plain clear lids

Divided Dish - 063/963 - dish is gold with no pattern, patterned opal lid

Baking Pans - Loaf white, 8x8 white, 9x13 gold

Refrigerator Dishes - 501 white, 502 gold, 503 gold

New Design 1979:

Cinderella Casseroles (470 Set) - 471, 472, 473 - orange, yellow, orange

Cinderella Casseroles (480 Set) - 473, 474, 475 - orange, yellow, orange

Cinderella Casserole, single (484 or 485 Set) - 474 or 475 - both orange

Related Articles:

1972 Advertisement - Pyrex Compatibles
1974 Brochure - 470 Casseroles
1976 Catalogue
1981 Brochure - Pyrex Ware 
Why name Pyrex mixing bowls after Cinderella?
Dates for Pyrex patterns/pieces: 1960s to 1980s
Pyrex Model Numbers