Smaller or more common antique jars often sell for around $20 each, while more uncommon varieties can sell for as much as $300. Larger modern equivalents can cost up to $100 or more. The value of an antique glass jar depends on several factors, including the maker and date stamped on the jar.
Full Answer
Where can I buy cheap canning jars?
(Half Pint) Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars w/Lid (Set of 12)
- Quantity Qty Price
- 3 $16.440 case
- 10 $13.380 case
- 20 $11.840 case
- 85 $11.460 case
- 170 $11.240 case
What is the value of an Antique canning jar?
Values As with any antique collectible, condition plays a major role in the value of an antique Ball jar. Cracks, chips and stains will lower the value. Clear Ball jars which are the most readily available can range from $1 to $20; jars with original lids may be valued in the $15-$20 range.
Which jars are safe for pressure canning?
Well, I hardly ever buy new jars. Used jars are perfectly safe for canning! Just be sure to check them first, running your finger over the rim of the jar to ensure they’re not chipped. (Sometimes there will be small chips that could prevent a proper seal.) Also, don’t reuse the lids. Just reuse the jars. Old canning jars are really nice, too.
Where can I buy jars in bulk?
Ball ® Glass Canning Jars
- Like grandma used to use. For country stores and home canning.
- Tin plated, vacuum seal lid keeps foods fresh.
- Withstands temperatures up to 250°F.
- Wide Mouth – For whole fruits and vegetables.
- FDA compliant.
- Lids included.
What canning jars are worth money?
The most valuable mason jars are:Van Vliet Improved Jar – $23,500.Black Amber Magic Star Fruit Jar – $3,000. ... 1933 Ball Upside Down Error Jar – $1,000. There are two types of Ball upside-down Mason jars. ... The 1870 Chief Mason Jar – $800. (Photo: gregspurgeon.com) ... 1858 Willoughby Stopple Jar – $500. (Photo: hoosierjar.com) ... 21-Nov-2021
How do I know if my mason jars are valuable?
If you have a jar with one of the older logos, it will likely be worth more than one with a newer logo. Next is the color. Clear and pale blue are the most common colors, but jars of all colors were produced. Yellow and amber jars were common.16-Nov-2016
Which Mason jars are collectible?
Here are some of the most valuable finds from the 1840s to the 1920s, when hundreds of companies were vying for a spot on America's shelves:CORK-TOP JAR. ... UPSIDE-DOWN JAR BY BALL. ... E-Z SEAL BY ATLAS. ... LIGHTNING JAR BY BALL. ... THE IMPROVED JAR BY HERO. ... SELF-SEALING JAR BY KERR. ... BEAVER JAR. ... VIOLET JAR BY COLUMBIA.More items...•25-Aug-2015
Are Kerr canning jars valuable?
Typical values: The value of antique Ball, Mason and Kerr canning jars varies greatly. Typical prics range from $8 to $25 a jar. Look at the books listed above on this page for more details about how to value a jar.
What do the numbers on the bottom of Mason jars mean?
There will be a large number on the bottom of your jar. This is the mold number, and unfortunately also has no relation to the manufacture date. These charts tell you the approximate decade in which your Ball jar was made.16-Aug-2021
How do you date old Mason jars?
If you have a Ball jar, you can date most of them just by looking at the logo. Every few years, the Ball Manufacturing Co changed the logo and if you compare yours to a reliable chart, you know how old it is.
How do I know if my jars are vintage?
AgePontil marks or indented rings in the bottom of the jar mean it was hand finished by a glass blower. ... Seams also help determine the age of your jar: Seams that go all the way up the jar indicate it was machine made, probably between 1895 and 1915.Color can also help date your jar.
How do you tell how old Kerr Mason jars are?
Check the jar from top to bottom. The Kerr name will be embossed on the glass. There are some general guidelines to approximate the date of a vintage Kerr jar between 1915 and 1930. The finish on a fruit jar can tell you roughly about the date it was made.
How do you identify Mason jars?
A jar's age and rarity can be determined by the color, shape, mold and production marks of the glass, and the jar's closure. Mason jars usually have a proprietary brand embossed on the jar.
How old are Atlas canning jars?
What Is an Atlas Mason Jar? The glass company Hazel-Atlas, which is also known for making Depression glass, began production around 1902. The Atlas Mason jars were among some of their most important products.
Are Atlas Mason jars valuable?
Atlas mason jar values vary between $10 to around $60 depending on a number of factors including the age, color, and condition. The older amber-colored E-Z Seal Atlas mason jars, which were made around 1910, are among the more valuable.26-Jan-2020
What is the difference between Kerr and Ball jars?
0:242:11Ball Mason Jars vs Kerr Mason Jars - Whats the difference? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe truth is there's very little difference between a ball mason jar and a current mason jar. They'MoreThe truth is there's very little difference between a ball mason jar and a current mason jar. They're actually owned by the same company which is Jordan they're both made in the USA.
How do you identify Mason jars?
A jar's age and rarity can be determined by the color, shape, mold and production marks of the glass, and the jar's closure. Mason jars usually have a proprietary brand embossed on the jar.
How do you date Atlas EZ Seal Mason jars?
However, there are a number of ways to tell how old your Atlas Mason jar might be.Look for Mold Seams. Examine the jar to see if it has lines or mold seams from its construction. ... Check the Texture of the Glass. ... Note the Name. ... Examine the Jar's Condition. ... Check the Style. ... Consider the Color. ... Compare to Recent Sales Prices.
How do you tell how old Kerr Mason jars are?
Check the jar from top to bottom. The Kerr name will be embossed on the glass. There are some general guidelines to approximate the date of a vintage Kerr jar between 1915 and 1930. The finish on a fruit jar can tell you roughly about the date it was made.
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From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to...
Are the products on Etsy handmade?
From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to...
Does Etsy offer free shipping?
Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the s...
Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses?
Absolutely! Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. With powerful tools and services, along wit...
Are the products on Etsy handmade?
From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to...
What is an upside down mason jar?
There are two types of Ball upside-down Mason jars. The first kind was produced as a result of a mistake (manufactured in 1933), and the second was produced intentionally to work as a dispenser. In the first kind of Ball upside-down jars, the glass embossing was set upside down – with the company only producing 12 such jars by mistake.
What is a mason jar made of?
Manufactured in 1870, this Mason jar is made up of clear glass, including the words “The Chief” embossed on one side, and the letter “K” embossed in cursive on the other side. The jar uses a wire fixture on the underside of the lid that hooks onto the sides to seal it. It is a rare jar and very difficult to find.
How much is a Van Vliet improved jar?
Van Vliet Improved Jar – $23,500. (Photo: gregspurgeon.com) No. That isn’t a mistake. The Van Vliet improved jar really does cost five figures. Invented in 1881, the Van Vliet Improved Jar has a distinguishing feature, a wire is attached to the lid by hooking to the bottom of the jar.
How much is a black amber star fruit jar?
Black Amber Magic Star Fruit Jar – $3,000. (Photo: gregspurgeon.com) The Black Amber Magic Star fruit jar was manufactured in 1886 and has a distinguishing dark color. One of these jars in good complete condition could cost around $3,000 to own.
When was the jar invented?
The jar was patented in Pennsylvania in 1886 by Hermann Buchholz and was later produced by a glassware company McCully & Co.
When was the Willoughby Stopple Jar invented?
The Willoughby Stopple Jar was invented in 1858 and had a unique cork lid. The Jar is an antique piece, with few coming up for sale in preserved, or complete condition. Due to the scarcity, even if you manage to find one, the price tag might make you gasp. Online prices of this jar vary between $500 and $1000.
Types of Antique Mason Jars
The various antique mason jars represent a time in history. Manufacturers constantly upgraded their products to suit the consumers’ needs. That’s why one brand can have multiple designs of an item.
Identification of Antique Mason Jars
With your knowledge of the types of Antique Mason jars, you’ve conquered half of the obstacles you’ll face in identification. On the surface, you should be able to pick out each jar based on its unique features. However, there are more details only the trained eye can catch.
Valuation of Antique Mason Jars
Collectors covet Mason jars, especially the rare ones. The 1881 Van Vliet is the most expensive brand ever sold at $23,50o, with a starting bid of $1,000. The cheapest is the Self-sealing jar by Kerr at $40 (you’ll get half-price for a lost lid.) and E-Z Seal by Atlas at $60.
Final Thoughts
Buying antique Mason jars is oddly satisfying, so don’t be surprised when you get carried away. However, in your excitement, please remember to examine the details.
History of Atlas Mason Jars
The mason jar is named after its inventor, John Landis Mason. A New Yorker and tin smith, Mason, invented and patented these unique glass jars in 1858. He produced them by creating a machine that made lids through thread cuts.
How to Identify a Real Atlas Mason Jar
Like we mentioned earlier, there are many atlas jar imitations around. So, if you prioritize authenticity and quality, you must be careful when collecting Atlas mason jars.
How to Value Your Atlas Mason Jars
Now here’s the million-dollar question — how can you determine an Atlas mason jar’s value? We’ve compiled the most helpful answers for you below:
Top 7 Types of Vintage Atlas Mason Jars to Collect
Asides from their costs, vintage Atlas mason jars are valuable for their nostalgic effects. These seven vintage Atlas mason jars will invoke fond memories that you wouldn’t ever want to forget:
What is a magic star fruit jar?
The Magic Star Fruit jar features a glass lid secured by iron clamps, another innovation in sealing. The side of the jar features an embossed star logo surrounded by text. It was patented in Pennsylvania in 1886 by Hermann Buchholz. It was later produced by Wm. McCully & Co., a glassware company from the same state. While the jars came in several colors, the black amber is considered extremely rare. It is virtually never seen for sale and only a few are known to exist.
What is an amber jar?
The amber Beaver jar is an antique Canadian Mason jar that features a beaver image on the front. It originates from Wallaceburg, a town that made most of Canada’s glassware at the time. Due to the older production practices and the lack of consistent measuring, each beaver jar is a different shade of amber. This color helps prevent UV rays from ruining the jar’s contents. In addition to the shade of amber, the jars’ overall condition, the direction of the beaver (left facing is more valuable than right) and the model categorizations all play a role in its price. The company marked which model the jars were for quality control using numbers and letters. Many number 13 jars were smashed due to superstition and, as a result, are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Why are Mason jars so rare?
First off, Warren Van Vliet attempted to improve the jar’s sealing properties with a clamp that hooked over the lid. The clamp was secured with wire that wrapped under the jar so it was guaranteed to hold the seal. The jar also had a wider bottom to help with balance. These jars are so rare because they were only produced for four years before the Van Vliet factory burned down in 1885, taking with it the remainder of the jars, lids, and clamps.
What is an EZ seal?
The EZ Seal was one of Hazel-Atlas’ round Mason jars. It had a glass lid with a metal clasp closure that tightened via a lever. This type of sealing method is no longer considered safe for wet, perishable goods but works fine for dry goods. The EZ Seal jars came in a few colors, including blue and amber. Did you know.
What is a Hazel Atlas jar?
Hazel-Atlas was a vintage Mason jar brand that created products from 1902 to 1964. While other companies adopted the Hazel-Atlas jar models, they are not to be confused with the original designs. An authentic Hazel-Atlas jar features a combined H and A symbol on the bottom. The EZ Seal was one of Hazel-Atlas’ round Mason jars.
What is a lightning jar?
The lightning jar’s name referred to the wire seal that attached the lid to the body of the jar. Users could put hot foods in the jar and close it as quickly as lightning, reducing the possibility for burns.
Why are number 13 jars so rare?
Many number 13 jars were smashed due to superstition and, as a result, are rare and highly sought after by collectors. Did you know. Amber’s darker shade prevents oxidation, which is why many beer and pill bottles are this color as well.
How much do mason jars cost?
Typically, the smaller or more common antique jars can go for about $20 apiece, but the more rare versions can sell for as much as $300.
How much does a green glass jar cost?
Some of the rarest jars are antique green glass jars of certain shades, which can fetch up to $300. Green glass jars rage from pale, apple greens to dark olive greens and beautiful blue-greens. Antique Bottles.
Why is the Ball Mason Jar so rare?
Even more rare and valuable than uncommon colors are jars with quirks. This Ball Mason jar is the result of a molding error, where the logo and name were stamped on upside-down. According to one expert, only about a dozen jars like this exist in the world, making them collectors' items.
What color jars were used in the 1910s?
Yellow and amber jars were common. Depending on what was used to color the glass, historians can also date the jars. Amber glass became popular in the 1910s, when there was a misconception that dark glass prevented spoiling.
What color is a ball jar?
While a pale aqua color known as “Ball blue” is pretty common in Ball jars (it had to do with the minerals in the sand they used to make the glass), deeper, richer blue glass is also a favorite. The blues can range from very delicate and pale to super-dark cobalt colors.
What is a glass jar?
The glass jars were created to form a hermetic seal, and were used for canning and jarring. The jars are also known as Ball jars, thanks to the Ball corporation that still manufactures the jars today, as well as fruit jars, or simply canning jars.
When were mason jars invented?
Mason jars are a favorite of cooks, crafters, and anyone who loves to organize. Invented in 1858, they're designed to make an airtight seal when heated, making them ideal for preserving food. Duke University. Today, people also use them for crafts, glassware, storage — and they've even taken off with the younger generation as hip, rustic decor.