Grandmother’s Tupperware

My grandmother did not own much Tupperware. The few pieces she did own were carefully guarded treasures, received as gifts. My mother owned a few more pieces, but considered Tupperware a luxury. If those early pieces still reside in some relative’s kitchen, they would now be vintage Tupperware.

Tupperware was first created in 1945 when Earl Tupper developed an extraordinary type of plastic. It was lightweight, unbreakable, and odorless, making it ideal for food storage.

Vintage Tupperware languished in the market at first. Consumers were as reluctant as my family to give stores money for the plastic. The lids seemed complicated, and more trouble than value.

Vintage Tupperware Learns a Secret

Then a woman named Brownie Wise shared a secret with the manufacturer. If the party plan she had applied to other products was applied to Tupperware, she was certain sales would soar.

Tupperware’s top brass were curious. How did such a party work?

Brownie explained that Tupperware would introduce a system of distributors. Distributors would ask friends to have parties. Invitations would be sent, women would enjoy a couple hours of fun, and sometime during the party, the distributor would demonstrate Tupperware. Party-goers would learn how to “burp” the lids, and even practice it. Then they would order products.

Vintage Tupperware Goes Partying

A decision was made to invite vintage Tupperware to parties. Women loved the idea, and bought products. Women got involved as Tupperware distributors to earn money. Brownie was proven right. The company was now on the track to success, and remained on it for 60+ years.

Vintage Tupperware Increases in Demand

Once Tupperware was well on its way to success, products manufactured in those early years gained attention as vintage Tupperware. In age, they merit the badge of “antique” but they do not command “antique prices”. They are simply increasing in demand and, although somewhat more expensive due to their uniqueness, most remain affordable.

Why Is Vintage Tupperware in Demand?

These products from Tupperware’s early days are sought after most by Tupperware enthusiasts and collectors. Why?

* They are a piece of history
* They might be a collector’s investment
* They are still beautiful
* Models differ greatly from modern pieces
* They are unique

If you are interested in buying vintage Tupperware, you might try eBay or other online auction sites. Local antique stores may have some, and even a thrift store will occasionally have a piece or two. Estate auctions prove to be another source of vintage Tupperware.

Finally, if you are determined, you can find individual sellers by “googling” the term, “vintage Tupperware” on the Internet.