How do you determine the value for Mason jars?
You can discover actual Atlas mason jars by taking the following steps:
- Inspect the Bottom of the Jar You’ll know a lot about an Atlas mason jar by examining its bottom. ...
- Study the Inscriptions The next step to identifying original Atlas mason jars is by carefully examining the inscriptions on the jar. ...
- Observe the Color Original Atlas mason jars are typically clear or come in aquamarine colors. ...
Are old mason jars worth money?
You can estimate the Ball Mason jar's value by considering four main criteria: age, color, rarity and condition. A Buffalo jar from 1885, for example, will be worth more than a mass-produced jar from the 1940s. A rare "Christmas Mason" marked jar from the 1890s or an unusual dark green jar will be worth more than a clear, modern jar.
How much are Old Ball Mason jars worth?
The value of antique Ball, Mason and Kerr canning jars varies greatly. Typical prics range from $8 to $25 a jar. Consequently, how old is my Ball Mason jar? To date an old Ball mason jar, look at the logo on the jar. If the logo is an insignia made up of the letters BBGMC, the jar was made between 1885 and 1886.
What is the value of an antique Mason Jar?
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. But how do you know which ones are special?
What Ball 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) ...
How can you tell how old a Mason jar is?
To date an old Ball mason jar, look at the logo on the jar. If the logo is an insignia made up of the letters BBGMC, the jar was made between 1885 and 1886. If the logo is written using block letters, the jar was likely made between 1892 and 1896.
Are any Mason jars worth money?
According to Country Living, an upside-down Ball canning jar designed to rest on its lid is relatively rare and made between 1900 and 1910. It's valued at about $1,000. Country Living also notes that a unique 1858 design, called the Willoughby Stopple, is especially valuable because it proved to be defective.
Which Mason jars are antique?
Antique Mason Canning JarsAqua Mason's Patent Nov. 30th 1858. ... Aqua Mason's Patent. Quart, Shoulder Seal, c.1875-1900. ... Aqua Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason. Quart, Bead or Ledge Seal, c. ... Aqua Ball. Quart, Shoulder Seal, c.1900-1910. ... Aqua Ball Mason. ... Aqua Ball Perfect Mason. ... Lightning Registered U.S. Patent Filed. ... Aqua Ball Ideal.More items...
What do numbers on bottom of Ball 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.
How do you identify Ball mason jars?
The logo imprinted on each jar is, by far, the easiest and fastest way to determine the approximate age your Ball mason jar....Rare FindsLogo Imperfections. One of the most common imperfections are misspelled words in the logo. ... Upside Down Jars. ... Size. ... Jars With Original Lids.
How do you date a ball jar?
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.
What to do with old canning jars?
15 USEFUL Ways to Reuse Canning Jars PurposefullyMake a Canning Jar Soap Dispenser. ... Can Food for Long-Term Storage. ... Create a Mason Jar Sewing Kit. ... Create Mason Jar Salt and Pepper Shakers. ... Make or Grow Your Own Food in Mason Jars! ... Create Spice Jar Containers with Canning Jars. ... DIY Mason Jar Bird Feeder.More items...
Are Kerr and Ball the same company?
If the Kerr jars and their packaging looks eerily similar to that of Ball jars, it's because they're basically the same: Both Ball and Kerr brands are now owned and manufactured by the parent company Jarden.
How old are porcelain mason jar lids?
Lewis R. Boyd was issued a patent for his invention (patent #88,439) on March 30, 1869.
How old are Knox mason jars?
The Knox jars were made in the 1940s by the Knox Glass Bottle Co. in Knox, PA The pints and quarts are worth about $6.
What is the year of a mason jar?
For example, this Ball Mason jar with the phrase “perfect” on the bottom is approximately from 1913-1922.
Can you use a mason jar lid for canning?
They’ve been around for 100+ years and are still going strong! Not only do they have a beautiful, timeless design, but they can even help save the world. You can even use a Mason jar lid to make the perfect breakfast sandwich.
How much is an upside down ball mason jar worth?
One great example is the ultra-rare upside-down Ball Mason jar. This glassware piece was only issued from 1900 to 1910. Now, it’s worth about $1,000. Some folks who enjoy hearing about happy mistakes might be tickled by the fact that an old Mason jar once considered an “error” is among these valuable items today.
What can you do with old mason jars?
You can utilize Mason jars for drinks, meals, DIY projects, and even making a ton of money in one sitting — if you own the right ones. Old Mason jars are one of the internet’s best-kept secret gold mines.
Why is the Columbia Mason Jar purple?
The infamous violet Columbia Mason jar developed a purple tint when it was exposed to the sun, which was a result of manganese added to the glass. But people were such fans of the lovely color that manufacturers actually began selling it in that shade — purposefully — in 1905.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 does a vintage jar of green jars cost?
While colors produced in recent years may look similar, be aware that they have quite different values than the vintage colors. The smaller and more common vintage jars usually sell for less than $20. However, the vintage green jars or those with special wire carriers can sell in excess of $300. Don O’brien.
What colors are Ball Jars?
frankieleon. Ball jars were made in various colors, but the blue and clear colors are the most common. In 1976, Ball produced reproductions of the buffalo jars and created Bicentennial jars. In 2013 Ball made the Heritage Collection, which commemorates the 100 year anniversary of the historic 1913 breakthrough in their process.
When did glass jars replace stoneware?
While some food preservation is still done in pottery crocks, glass jars largely replaced stoneware starting in the late 1800s. The Mason jar was patented by Landis Mason in 1858 and Ball started producing these jars in 1885. Later, the process was “perfected” by Ball in 1913 when his factory was able to produce both the lid ...
What is canning jar?
As a very necessary tool in the kitchen, the canning jar helped many families make use of harvests well into winter and beyond. While some food preservation is still done in pottery crocks, glass jars largely replaced stoneware starting in the late 1800s. Rose Heichelbech.
When was the Mason Jar invented?
Mason Jars Patented Nov. 30th, 1858. Instantly recognizable by avid vintage-lovers, the Nov. 30th 1858 patent date appears on literally thousands of canning jars produced between 1858-1920. Mason wasn’t the only manufacturer to add this patent date to his jars, hence its vast proliferation. John Mason invented and patented ...
How much are fruit jars worth?
Fruit jars were produced primarily in clear and “Ball blue” (aqua), but some amber, cobalt, and even milk glass examples can be found out there in the wild, and they are likely worth upwards of several hundred dollars. Some Canning Jar Terms.
Who invented the fruit jar?
The Ball brothers, Frank and Ed, developed a semi-automatic process for the manufacture of fruit jars, which greatly increased the number of jars on the market and led to Ball jars becoming synonymous with the term “fruit jars,” much like Kleenex became for “tissue.”
Why are lightning jars called lightning jars?
Lightning jars, so named because they could be easily and quickly opened, solved the problem of canned foods acquiring a metallic taste due to contact with a metal lid. A frisbee-shaped glass lid took the place of the screw-on lid and was held in place by an ingenious wire clamp, invented by Henry William Putnam in 1882.
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:
