Found in dusty kitchen cupboards and dishwasher top-shelves across this wide, great land, really, really old Tupperware is as handy today as it was twenty, thirty, forty years ago. That famous Tupperware “burping seal” still holds strong, and you can bet your boombox that banana bread will stay moist, those chopped celery sticks crisp, that leftover lasagna slice fresh. Yes, all is well in this tight vacuum-sealed Chamber of Taste-Preservation.
Really, really old Tupperware is mostly found in three colors: Stovetop Green, Pylon Orange, or The Core Of The Sun Yellow (pictured). Optional features include novelty 1950s floral patterns or deep tomato stains, from that time someone put leftover chili in there and shoved it in the back of the freezer for two years.
One thing I enjoy doing is thinking about all the different kinds of food a particular piece of Tupperware has tupperwared shut over the years. Apparently Tupperware has been around since 1946, so we’re talking about the full tastebud timeline — from lard burgers, creamed corn casseroles, and Jello salads to hemp brownies, parsley soup, and tofu cookies to pizza pockets, Hungry Man leftovers, and astronaut ice-cream pellets.
Really, really old Tupperware has been there, sealed that, and lived to tell the tale. It’s a throwback to the simpler life, when things like airtight seals meant something. Something real. Something honest.
Something worth believing in.
AWESOME!
102 Comments
July 18, 2008 at 1:19 pm
ah… I miss corn casserole!
July 18, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Ahhh, nothing better than really old tupperware, that’s for sure. These cheap little pieces of plastic they make today are far less then awesome, that’s for sure!
March 19, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I totally agree, my mother buys those said pieces of plastic almost every week, because they’re always getting ruined or something!
July 19, 2008 at 12:03 am
I was once almost roped into selling tupperware and I am a dude.
I document the incredible story here…
http://www.paulsfunkystuff.com/2008/03/my-most-embarassing-moments-part-1.html
Love the site btw. I saw you on Fark today.
July 22, 2008 at 4:58 am
The best thing commercially, which is the worst artistically, by and large, is the most successful.GeorgeOrsonWellesGeorge Orson Welles
October 29, 2008 at 1:02 pm
stove top green with a floral pattern! thats awesome
November 7, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I miss sitting at my grandmothers or my moms listening to the old ladies talk about them,.. and then the smell is quite unique as well
old tupperware is awesome
December 15, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Ours were brown with orange lids that went on them. Oh so 70′s.
December 29, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I am sorry to tell you but,,, there are much older pieces of TW out there at second hand stores and such. I have pieces from 1955. I even have two pieces I do not know what they are for. Maybe someone knows about antique TW and may be able to help me figure out what they are or, were.
July 30, 2009 at 12:31 am
Yes, there are older TW pieces. Tupperware is 63 years old. Every piece of TW has a mold number on it: three or four numbers , then a hyphen and another couple of numbers. The important ones are the ones before the hyphen. As a TW consultant, I have a parts book and with the mold number I can tell you what TW product you have…and probably its use. If I don’t know the use, I can probably find out.
Give me a try. :)
July 30, 2009 at 12:34 am
my website is my2.tupperware.com/susano
January 23, 2010 at 3:01 pm
I am looking for a burp lid for an orange bowl. The number on the bottom is 838-3. Also, How do you get the smwll of mold from the lid of a container? I used my Mr. Clean eraser on the container but the crease on the lid is what sill had an odor and I have tried everything. Thanks!!!!!
August 19, 2010 at 12:30 am
We can still get the seal for your bowl, but it will likely be “natural”/clear.
You have to use vinegar or bleach to get rid of mold completely. It doesn’t take a lot. Just pour a bit into the bowl, fill the rest with water, and let it sit for a few minutes. Soak the seal in a larger container with the same solution, so it gets into all the grooves.
To remove smells, put a chunk or two of charcoal into the container and seal it. Leave it for several days. Check it, and if it still smells a bit, put a new piece in. I did this when a head of cabbage was in my old lettuce crisper for waaaaaay too long. It worked!
January 31, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I have a container with a number of 587-10 and the lid ‘s number is 588-6. The lid has a small crack and leaks a little. Really would like to get another lid. Any ideas? any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Chuck Reinahrt
April 14, 2010 at 8:43 am
Tupperware has a life-time guarantee and i have always known them to be most cooperative. Your local area TW headoffice will probably refer you to a dealer and she (he?) will sort it out for you.
I feel like a bit of a dork when I present them with a lid like the one in the pic which has suddenly discovered that it can part from the frame almost like a stamp splits from its neighbour, but TW doesn’t bat an eyelid!
If the model no longer exists, they replace it with teh new update, free of change!
Good Luck!
May 4, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Hi, I have a TW product that I don’t know the purpose of. The numbers at the bottom are 1531-5, 1532-5, and 1533-6. Could you please let me know there purpose. Thank You
August 19, 2010 at 12:22 am
It’s a serving piece: Two trays held together by the pedestal.
July 18, 2010 at 7:26 pm
I have a 2 piece set of tupperware, i don’t know for sure what it is.The lid is #2650A-11. The lid is turquiose colored. the bottom is deep pink , with line holes, is there more to this set ? And what is its use ? Thank you for your help.The bottom piece doesn’t have any numbers on it. Judy
August 19, 2010 at 12:25 am
hmmmmm….there isn’t a 2650 in our parts catalog! 2651 is a seal for a Crystalwave bowl. The container you’re describing sounds like the Crystalwave colander that we had quite a few years ago. If so, you can use it like any regular colander to strain pasta, etc. If you find the 3 or 4 quart bowl that went with it, it’s handy for storing cut-up watermelon, to let the juices drain.
August 18, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Hi….. hope you can help me …I have a around a 8 inch high, with a thing in it…here is the number on the bottom 1827-7 don’t know what its used for…would love to know…hope you can tell me…hope to here from you….God bless
August 19, 2010 at 12:20 am
#1827 is the seal for the cheese keeper (for Velveeta-type cheese). The tray is #1828, and the seal is #1829. Hope that helps.
August 23, 2010 at 9:28 am
my mom sold it from 1973 to 2002 so I or she can probably help you.
January 28, 2009 at 11:19 am
My Mom was a tupperware dealer… yeah, I remember…
March 15, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I have and still use my Tupperware Pitcher from the late 70′s but my top broke if anyone knows where I might find I would love to know, I hate to have to purchase another pitcher.
May 7, 2009 at 6:35 pm
You will be happy to know that Tupperware comes with a lifetime guarantee…so don’t throw that old broken lid out – they’ll give you another one! Just find yourself a Tupperware Lady (yes, they are still out there!) and they’ll hook you up.
LOVED this post!! Nice to see someone share my appreciation of the beloved plastic!
July 30, 2009 at 12:41 am
Yes, you do not need to purchase another pitcher. You paid for TW’s lifetime warranty, if the pitcher broke under normal household use. If the pitcher you have is not in our current fullsize catalog, we will take the container and seal and replace it with a comparable replacement…in other words, our current pitcher of the same or similar size.
my website is my2.tupperware.com/susano
Depending upon where you are located, I may be able to connect you with a consultant that I know. If I cannot, you or I can do a search for a consultant or the web or contact TW customer service at 1-888-TUPWARE.
March 31, 2009 at 3:36 pm
The old ones are always in more convenient shapes and sizes than the new ones too!
April 7, 2009 at 10:40 am
Hi
I ‘am looking for the big Deep tan bottom with dome lid Veggie server. It had a round center cup to hold the dip-with lid. I found some on ebay but the six veggie holders are slanted. Mine had deep cup holders. Ive loaned it out and did not get it back. Hoping you can find one for me..Thanks Leslie
July 30, 2009 at 12:33 am
It sounds like you are looking for the Serving Center. It is currently in our catalog.
go to my website at my2.tupperware.com/susano
to order or contact me directly.
April 10, 2009 at 10:07 am
are you for real? i am scared.
May 5, 2009 at 9:47 pm
This made me smile. My mom has a complete set of the green tupperware with the little white flowery design on it in use right now. It shocked me to see it there in the second picture! She even passed along a lovely pylon orange pair to me and they’re keeping my sugar and flour safe and dry.
That tupperware will live forever!
May 13, 2009 at 7:23 pm
OMG! You were in my cupboard! Love it and love your blog…
Tupperware lives on………….
May 15, 2009 at 3:05 pm
i’m looking for a piece ,that was yellow an you could crack eggs it in an then pour them out 1 at a time , if any one knows where i can find it please let me know .
July 30, 2009 at 12:45 am
You could be referring to the Quick Shake Container . It currently sells for $12 dollars plus shipping and sales tax.
It is awesome for mixing flour and water or milk to make gravies, mix salad dressing, making puddings, or even a different type of pizza crust.
Some used to also recommend carrying eggs like you said, after breaking them, in the old rolling pin, so they could be poured out one yoke at a time.
my website is my2.tupperware.com/susano
I would be happy to help you out in anyway that I can.
May 31, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I love mixing and matching the old Tupperware I’ve inherited from my former saleswoman mama!
June 3, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Ohhh my goodness – I STILL have a bunch of these!!
I’ve got the green canister set – plus the storage size, in yellow – green – orange. I put Cho. Chips – Coconut – Corn Meal – Powdered Sugar – Peanut butter chips too.
They are all still in good shape too.
June 17, 2009 at 6:14 am
I have one or two mini-cups; they just took an egg yolk or something like that. I would love to get more of these – anyone know if it\’s possible?
July 30, 2009 at 12:48 am
the word “mini-cups” could refer to several items, since that isn’t a Tupperware product name. If you look on the bottom of the container, there is a very small mold number: three or four digits, a hyphen, and another number or two. With that number, I can look in my parts book and identify what you have, and then tell you it’s availability.
my email is susano@allegiance.tv and my website is: my2.tupperware.com/susano
September 20, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I am in the Market for a couple of the pill container that were given out as guest gifts I believe their casting # is 1224-3
Thanks in Advance Jim
November 18, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Jim, Can you check that number again? I don’t see it in my parts book.
June 19, 2009 at 9:05 am
I think my mom still owns some like this, only a few left though. And I think once in a while I go to friend’s houses and see that they have some as well. The yellow ones are the ones I see the most!
July 19, 2009 at 11:38 pm
HI, My name is Rebeca I’m a Tupperware consultant i hope some will love the new Tupperware this is my website check it/
http:my2.tupperware.com/beckydominguez
July 30, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I am a former Tupperware Dealer…. The NEW lids do NOT fit the OLD bowls.
I don’t sell T. anymore,
Plastics give off TOXIC chemicals when warmed, heated. Don’t believe me?? Then go to Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website.
Jesus Saves!!!
July 30, 2009 at 5:32 pm
There is a massive difference in the quality of different “plastic” products. The warnings are about the very inferior type of plastic.
And from the website: mercola.com, i quote:
“One needs to be careful of the type of plastic you use as many are potentially dangerous.”
Please note his words “the type of plastic you use” TW is extremely different than cool whip containers.
From our website, a message from Rick Goings, CEO of TW
As a result of recent media coverage, some of you may have heard about the controversy surrounding the use of polycarbonate, and specifically Bisphenol-A, in the manufacturing of various plastic consumer products. I wanted to give all of you an update on this issue and address any concerns you may have about the use of polycarbonate in the manufacture of Tupperware products.
At Tupperware Brands, we’re firmly committed to the safety and well-being of our consultants and the many consumers of our products worldwide. We’ve posted a statement which discusses our views on polycarbonate, as well as a Q&A which should help answer any questions you may have as to the safety of our products containing this material.
Based on the repeated governmental scrutiny that polycarbonate has undergone by various regulatory agencies, we continue to believe that the material is safe. We will continue to monitor this scientific debate, of course, and keep all of you posted if any new and important information comes to light.
I encourage you to read the statement and Q&A, and feel free to contact us directly at if you have any concerns whatsoever. Call 1-888-TUPWARE in the U.S. or 1-866-376-7521 in Canada.
Sincerely yours,
Rick Goings
Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands Corporation
August 28, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I have a piece of Tupperware dated 1954. It is red top and white bottom, I think it is a compost bucket. Can you tell me if that is right and what it might would be worth. I have never seen one before but I still use it every day, it was my Mother’s
September 4, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Oh my gosh. this was too cool. I have had my others old TW cannisters for years. Haven’t had any lids. A friend gave me a catalog and I didn’t need anything at this time but told here I would really like some lids for my cannisters but thought they were about fifty years old so didn’t hold out much hope. She asked for the number on the bottom, and if I am not mistaken is #254 no dash. She looked it up somewhere and ordered them for me. I can’t tell you how excited I am about those lids. Am currently staying with my folks for a few days and after reading this went directly to the cupboard and found her current stash of TW has numbres in the 200′s also. this was really a fun post. I think the cannisters originally had rooster decals on them. Thanks so much for the walk back in kitchen history.
September 10, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I would like to find out what this piece of TW was used for. # on the bottom is 1292-6 it is an interesting piece.
September 22, 2009 at 6:10 pm
It is used to store hot dogs #1292
September 11, 2009 at 4:47 pm
anybobody knows where I can find the old mini party set and the mini serve-it set? I once had them as a child and I’d love to get them for my toddler…
September 22, 2009 at 10:15 pm
The mini serve it set is currently in Tupperware’s Fundraiser Catalog at $19.50. No shipping on fundraisers, just sales tax. Perhaps you know of a group that could use funds (40 percent goes to the group).
As for the other, I would keep checking back to Tupperware. Every month there is a new sales flyer, and maybe there will be more toys as Christmas nears.
my website is my2.tupperware.com/susano
October 26, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I have some really old tupperware containers but they smell. Is there anyway to get rid off the smell. i got them at a yard sale. Would really like to be able to use them.
October 27, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Put wadded up newspaper in the containers and re-seal them.
Leave it for 24 hours at least.
If that doesn’t get all the smell out, use baking soda to make a paste and scrub. Or soak with water and a little chlorine bleach. Or use lemon juice and leave in the sun.
After the smell is gone, store without the seals on!
The smell you have now, is often from being stored with the seals on.
November 15, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I enjoy mix-matching the lids and containers.
I found a ton in my grandma’s storage rooom.
And I always end up piling up five or six old dirty ones in my car from lunch at work before I finally take them out inside to wash- haha.
November 15, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I have old #267-3 clear containers and they have held my 5lbs. sugar and 5lbs.flour continously since I bought them in the late 50′s. I only liked the old clear ones, couldn’t get into the colored ones.
May 31, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I’m with you, Marti. I have the clear (well, more like translucent) soft-ish plastic containers from way back. Probably the early ’50′s maybe even late ’40s. (I inherited them from my sweet mother. My equally sweet grandmother was a Tupperware Lady. I occasionally accompanied her on her deliveries as a young child.) They are great containers for flour and sugar. Like you, I could never get into the modern, hard plastic, multi-colored stuff either. Once my containers are empty, I will get the numbers from the bottom and email Susan for replacement parts (although I doubt they exist).
November 15, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I have all the tupperware pictured. I have no new tupperware only the old stuff!
November 18, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Oh, Meghan, you deserve the new Tupperware, and there are so many ways to fix that…you can start with shopping online, although a party is still the best way so you can touch and feel the products you are investing in for a lifetime.
The very best way to get the new products are $ 515 of Product for $119.99 in the Opportunity Kit, and keep getting your TW at cost while helping your family and friends and earning free TW as awards for yourself!
You sound so fun, and you’d have help seeing all your potential.
http://my2.tupperware.com/susano
warmly, Susan
December 10, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Ohhhh…….You sound a little freaky when you advertise. :S :S S:S
November 18, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I have all of those old tupperware bowls featured in the picture. They were passed down to me by my grandmother and great grandmother when I got my first apartment. They really are the best!
November 26, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I have the exact item in the first picture, colour matched and all.
Ahhh marinated steak with Mum’s secret sauce, good memories
November 30, 2009 at 2:44 pm
My daughter put a favorite tw lid in the dishwasher and it came out all bent and warped. Is there any way it can get back in shape?
Thank you
Marilyn Gordon
December 11, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Try getting it very hot (with running faucet water) then sealing it on the container, and putting weights (like heavy books) on it to keep it on. Let it stay on a LONG TIME, until it completely cools down and then some. This may remold the seal, depending upon how warped it is. I would not hesitate to try it several times.
Call your Tupperware Consultant (or me) with the mold number off of the seal, to find out if a new seal can be purchased. Colors cannot be guaranteed though.
Party On.
Susan
susano@my2.tupperware.com
December 10, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I’m looking for a blue tupperware container that was used for icing. It was ball shaped and the different tips stored inside. Any help would be appreciated.
ThanksPam
December 11, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I am not familiar with the item you are referring to, but we currently have something that sounds very
similar.
Go to my website: http://my2.tupperware.com/susano
and go to “product gallery” and do a search in the box in the upper right hand corner for “SqueezeIt Decorator”
It has five interchangeable nozzles that store inside.
Party on !
Susan
December 14, 2009 at 9:54 am
My Mum still has that set! Works just as well now as it did back when it was first purchased.
December 17, 2009 at 3:35 am
I love old tupperware. My grandma has a bunch of it and it really does keep everything fresher than the new stuff does. I love it. I also love this website. It just makes me smile. =].
December 23, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Oh, wow! What a fun website to stumble upon! I have some of the old tupperware from my mother which I love!
My mother in law just became a dealer so I am lucky to be showered with new tupperware gifts quite frequently lately!
I found this website while searching for a mold number off of a cannister lid. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it. The cannister set is brown and the lid for second to smallest one got melted. I’d like to replace it but need the mold number.
December 27, 2009 at 3:06 pm
In my opinion, the article is actually the most helpful on this valuable topic. I agree with your conclusions and eagerly look forward to your upcoming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful clarity in your writing. I will grab your rss feed at once to stay informed of any updates. Fabulous work and much success in your efforts!
January 6, 2010 at 3:50 am
I still have two of the three Tupperware pieces pictured above!
January 15, 2010 at 7:13 am
looking for wet/dry measuring cup.
1cup on one end and 2 cups on the other.
i think this is very old tupperware.
thks, sue
January 20, 2010 at 7:45 am
cum and get it fuck me
January 26, 2010 at 1:07 am
I’ve really enjoyed reading your articles. You obviously know what you are talking about! Your site is so easy to navigate too, I’ve bookmarked it in my favourites :-D
February 2, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I have been looking for the popsicle makers that my mom used when I was a kid about 40 years ago.
Does anyone know where I could find them?
April 16, 2010 at 12:30 pm
It often comes out in the summer. The color has changed, and the handles are now shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ears……but other than that, they’re the same as the ones you grew up with.
Email me, and I can send you a picture :)
April 18, 2010 at 9:35 am
Debbie, check your local thrift stores, and yard and garage sales, I found 2 yesterday at a local thrift store.
March 10, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Old tupperware is just a reminder that my grandmother no longer cooks me awesome foods!
http://www.stuffpeoplehate.com
March 16, 2010 at 6:00 am
Hi, wow, this is super stuff, i enjoy it allot.Greetings
March 19, 2010 at 6:39 pm
My grandmother bequeathed me her old Tupperware… I think she bought it before I was born, and it still works amazingly! Gladware? More like SADware! I roasted some green chile and soaked it in Tupperware, and a week later it was like I had just recently soaked it!
April 14, 2010 at 1:03 pm
HAHA I love old tupperware. My grandmother had an old childrens picnic set. It had the dishes, cups, bowls and a mini size pitcher to put my iced tea in. I think it even had a mini sized cake traveler with handles and all!! It was awesome. I will have to check to see if she still has it. :) Oh and I love this site.
April 16, 2010 at 12:33 pm
The “mini serve it” set is back! It’s available until May 14th. It has the mini cake taker with handle, cake slicer, and 4 mini plates.
The kids miniature sets come and go, so if you want me to let you know when they’re available, send me an email! afich@comcast.net
April 14, 2010 at 6:09 pm
OMG! we used to have those tupperware cups when i was little in the lurid orange and yellow shades, and just the other day my flatmate picked some up from a second hand store, theyr so kitch but sooo coool