I will edit my text shortly to help reduce confusion on the exact wording on those later colored jars. The Ball Perfect Mason was a brand of glass fruit jar (canning jar) made by the Ball Bros. Glass Manufacturing Company. Thanks, Karen, there are many slightly different BALL PERFECT MASON jars and I am not familiar with many of them. The top of the jar can also affect its value as there were some topper designs a century and a half ago that youll rarely see today. Over a century later, Ball Fresh Preserving has grown to be a world-wide brand that many know and love. Ball Perfect Mason jars were made utilizing steel molds as part of ABM (Automatic Bottle Machine) i.e. These Ball mason jars were manufactured in 1890. Knowing my grandma and Mom I believe this to be more the case and the truth. Still, these hermetically sealed glass wonders can be priced by collectors if they are old enough or if they have some specific and rare features. Improved: There were a few times when Ball produced jars with Improved, including in the 1890s, when the jars were printed with Ball Improved 1858. Later, the jars were produced with the wording Ball Mason Improved between 1900 and 1933. Here is some info I found: In the reference book The Fruit Jar Works, Volume 2 by Alice Creswick (published 1987), there are several not-so-often-seen off-sized BALL PERFECT MASON jars that are lumped together under the jar listing #351. Thus, the single digit numbered jars are more commonly found. Still, this is in no way insignificant considering that most people just throw them away for nothing, as if they are any ordinary old glass. Can you provide me with a little history on this jar? There are a few differences between the new ones and the old originals which can be easily seen. 12 In Front On Bottom $7.00 $10.85 shipping or Best Offer Ball made liquor bottles, food bottles and lots of containers for other products as well. A rubber ring tucked inside the lid created the sealnecessary to preserve the contents. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Most of the earlier versions were round (cylindrical) in shape, and some of the later types are square (with rounded corners) in design. This covers info on many brands of fruit jars besides Ball. Best regards, Original relics were handcrafted, so its unlikely theyd have uniform designs. Please see my page on Ball Bros Glass Manufacturing Company. (However, keep in mind that fruit jars cost money, and the average farmer or housewife, often continually stretched to the limit with their household budget, would have never destroyed a jar merely because of the number on the bottom). Hazel Atlas Company (1902-1964) My email is (address obscured for privacy concerns). L.G.CO.export-style beer bottle, typical mark as seen on Lindell Glass Company, St. Louis product. (Source: A Collectors Guide to Ball Jars, William F. Brantley, 1975, page 53). I just found 2 Ball jars with measurements on the other side 2 1/2 cup. The Ball is the triple L style. There are many ways to date old Ball mason jars, and one of the easiest is to look at the logo. The outside top rim measures 2 3/8 across, not counting and threads. Hope this helps, They are sold through Hearthmark (Jardens Home Brands). Good luck on hearing anything from those corporations. Hi Chip, The glass has some air bubbles in it, but otherwise is in excellent co dition.The shape of the jar is nothing like the shape of the Ball jars. The back has markings from 1/4 thru 1 1/2 cup. Ball Perfect Mason the Perfect is slightly to the right. Nan, I believe there are several jars known that fit that description. ARCOROC USA ~ base marking on small dessert bowl, Clover-like logo seen on base of French pharmacy bottle (photo courtesy Lynne Wertz), Fenton Glass Company Hobnail Fan Vase in Blue Opalescent. I had two links to that chart posted on this article, but I have now inserted the chart itself on my page. Although this brand was defective in 1858 when it came out, its a prized-collectible today. Triple L It has an S, then says Masons Patent 1858. $25-30.00, Lightning Registered U.S. Patent Filed Hi Charles, I dont know about the date coding system used on the relatively recent Ball jars (or if there was a date coding system). #9 on the bottom. Can anyone tell me about this style jar? 10.) Im just wondering if this is a valuable flaw before posting for sale. Please check out this chart showing logo changes, courtesy of the Minnetrista website: Lee, thats an example of ghosting or ghost embossing, it is seen fairly frequently on older glass insulators, and on the base of some jars and bottles, mostly on older handblown bottles before, generally, 1920 or so. (Remove underscore within first part of address). I found a clear ball jar with 41 on the bottom. David For those who still preserve, do not use older flat lids to process with. There is a line in front of the A leading into it. So, in 1858, John Landis Mason designed the first Mason Jar. R in a triangle mark used by Reed. 1962-date Connected B. The B inBalllinks with the underscore at the bottom. David. Old jars are definitely worth Thank you so much . The Owens scar is always present and virtually diagnostic on the original authentic jars. I mean, an antique dealer, a fruit jar collector, a friend? There is no loop in the middle of the BB. This design came at a time when the American government ruled metal lids as unhealthy stoppers. I have several Ball jars that are off size and I cannot locate seals and rings or lids to purchase. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. NOTE: PLEASE be aware that sometimes my replies via direct email are accidentally diverted into recipients' Junk or Spam folders. Some have a mold number 46 on the bottom, and they are almost certainly recent imports from China. Is it some sort of store display? This article received 37 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Manufacturers constantly upgraded their products to suit the consumers needs. there are many minor variations of Ball jars (aside from the variety of colors found) and values can depend a lot on how scarce a certain variation is. I cant really say why! I cant seem to find any info on it because everything says the number is on the bottom. 2) The newer jars (not always, but usually) tend to have a considerable number of micro-bubbles scattered through the glass, which is not seen in the old jars. Yes, it is pretty common to see embossing on a bottle or jar which is very faint or partly illegible. [This section was added June 16, 2021 Some info below is courtesy of Linda White, one of the moderators of the Repro Fruit Jars discussion group on Facebook]. ~David. Hi Misty, Thus, if a random sampling of these jars are studied (for instance, just looking at a selection of only those marked with a number 2 on the bottom), it may be seen that the numbers typically appears slightly different, in fact unique in their exact appearance, from one jar to the next. It is seamed and the word THE is in the reverse swirl of the M of Mason. At 2$ each Id grab all I could afford. Sometimes the story accuses ordinary housewives of having done the same thing if they were especially superstitious. Do you think this a packer jar? The bottom of the A is more pointed than curved. Fruit jars were produced primarily in clear and Ball blue (aqua), but some amber, cobalt, and even milk glass examples can be foundout there in the wild, and they are likelyworth upwards of several hundred dollars. They looked too good to be true and $2.00 a piece??? Though theyre originally from Canada, there are American pieces. Thanks, Laurie, in my opinion there is very little significance. Because if that were harmful, everyone should stop using steel pots and pans, and iron skillets, which, during ordinary use, release many more atoms of iron than the glass ever could. Later versions, after about 1936, were usually made in clear (colorless) glass, and some (usually from the 1950s) in brown amber. Here is a picture: https://ibb.co/z6ttmn6, Hi Steven, There are likely other reasons. Fruit Jar Annual is updated every 1-2 years and contains info on most jars including circa dates. I dont know what they all are, but just checking a few, I can say that some have just a mold number (one or two digits) placed in the center of 3 or 4 concentric circles (but with no other markings); others have the exact embossing <> GENUINE ZINC CAP <> FOR BALL MASON JARS The <> indicates two diamond marks placed between those phrases. if you are into studying fine differences in these jars somewhat akin to the practice of collecting coins and comparing their minor mold or die variations. I cant find the exact one when doing any research and was hoping maybe someone could help??? 2) about how old it is, 2) and if it has lead in it? As of the time of this writing, I have examined some PINT size jars, but I dont know if they are (or will be) producing quart and/or half-gallon sizes. Is there any significance to the alignment of the words perfect mason? Triple L: Refers to the two Ls in Ball and the final loop resembling an additional L, Collecting Vintage & Antique Canning Jars Its not listed on the size or identification charts. Why do Mason jars stand the test of time? Eclipse: These wide-mouthed jars were made between 1926 and 1952. There are few everyday objects more iconic than the Ball Mason jar. An old mason jar has to be especially old, rare, and special to cost more than that with the most valuable ones usually costing up to $300. We have not been able to find anything on one clear glass wide-mouth jar in particular. 5) There is virtually no base wear, nor any light scratching on the surface of the glass which would normally be seen (at least slightly) on most old jars (although base wear can be faked). David. Any advice where to sell them. Hello, I have a jar where the Ball logo dates it between 1910-1923. I just purchased one of these today. Thanks for any info in advance! I found a 1913-1915 Ball Perfect jar where the perfect is offset. Ball Bros was based in Muncie, Indiana. These amber-colored jars with an imprinted beaver are rare. It appears to be old glass and not a reproduction. The old jars might have a few isolated bubbles, but not lots of tiny bubbles throughout all of the glass. One box of lids says v 63 arro on it all the others say #63. The BALL MASON jars are generally believed to have been made between around 1895 and 1910. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Examine the age signs and quality of the glass. MADE-IN-U.S.A. Hi Medolark, Thanks for bringing that to my attention. This is what might be called natural glass or common glass as produced by man. 2 Vintage Blue Ball Perfect Mason Glass Jars w/ Zinc Lids Quart & Pint Sold for $14.95 from 54canthisbeit on Can you tell me anything about it? and read Ball Quilted Crystal U.S.A. Are the seals and rings still available? Not only because it has a unique cork lid but, there arent many in existence. Small sellers accomplish momentous things, individuals can inspire millions, and one product can change a person's life. The color of the glass is classifed as aqua, the most commonly seen color of those kinds of jars. Any idea where I can find more information on this? You could probably visit your local library and have them borrow a copy for you to search. All Rights Reserved. KY.G.W. The logo says Mason with a The in the M stylus. This has been happening especially with Gmail addresses!! These commemorative jars are being produced in a lighter, brighter blue color not quite the same shade as the original jars. (IMPORTANT NOTE: please see the paragraphs with info farther down on this page describing modern reproductions of this jar, including the AMERICAN HERITAGE COLLECTION introduced in 2013, and the new Collectors Edition BALL PERFECT MASON jars being sold as of 2019). At the present time (2021) I havent seen any in Half-Gallon size, although perhaps they will eventually be made in that size as well. For $150-$400, you can get an antique Cork-top, Ball lightning jar, Improved by Hero, Violet jar, Sun Jar, and Willoughby Topple. Boyd glass chick salt covered dish in lilac glass. My brother has ball jars that are hand blown. I know this isnt recommended but if there are no cracks and the lip is in good shape I cannot imagine why I shouldnt, the glass is twice as thick as the new canning jars and Ive never had an old jar break in processing but Ive had new ones break many times. Check eBay for jars with descriptions or pictures that match yours and see what they've sold for in the past by searching "Completed Listings". Along with the logo, you can sometimes use the color, size, and other distinguishing marks to help date a mason jar. Most of the time, all you need to do is look at the logo thats stamped on the glass itself. The 63 lid and band were made to be used on product jars so they could be canned in during the war years. David. Sometimes it just so happens that two people land on a particular jar auction, become interested in a particular jar and a bidding war erupts. The only info I found was a comment from someone that said he thinks they were made between 1885 and 1900. Condition is always very important. But to me, it goes much further. Assessing Atlas Mason Jar Value. Thank you very much for your post and info. I have no intention of selling and have no interest in the value. Hello. Hazel-Atlas H over A trademark on the front of clear Atlas Mason jar. Seeds: Air bubbles trapped in glass, often seed-shaped. There are no other markings in it. If you do an ebay search and zoom in and look at gobs of auction photos, I am sure you will see other, similar Ball Perfect Mason jars with various letters from A to H on the bottom. They are characterized by a wire thats attached to the lid but stretches to the bottom in an attempt to strengthen the seal. It was a screw-top jar with threaded glass. PS it blue round 1923/1933 era, Hi John, Pint, Lightning Seal, c. 1900-1910 I dont think this is true. (Ball Bros>>>> Saint-Gobain Containers>>>>> Verallia>>>>> and now Ardagh Group. Common lower-grade glass items such as bottles, fruit jars and insulators were typically made with soda lime glass which doesnt contain lead. Patent Nov. 30th 1858 sign printed on the side. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Vintage & Antique Mason Jars Guide - Dating Ball Canning Jars Another note: Just recently (2019) new BALL PERFECT MASON jars have been issued and are for sale at various department stores. $10-12.00, Ball Ideal Thanks for your patience. Has any one heard of canning jars with little narrower mouth food jars? Several off-sizes were also produced, although in much smaller quantities. This mark has 3 lines outside the diamond, indicating production between 1993-1998. David. Can you help me? Ball Perfect Masons (Quart). Scales emblem used on containers made for McKesson & Robbins. Perhaps someone can elaborate more on the Roman numerals on those jars. According to The Fruit Jar Works volume 2, written by Alice Creswick, those jars were made by Illinois Pacific Glass Company, of San Francisco, and could date sometime in the 1902-1925 time period. Hi Medolark, amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The front is marked Root Mason. The wax sealer jars have a grooved ring around the top of the jar instead of threading to accommodate a metal screw lid. However, you might try posting your query on the http://antique-bottles.net site, where there is a special category for discussion on antique fruit jars. Typical value ranges for aqua are in the 5 to 15 dollar price range. We believe that, whether it's how we shop, eat, and clean, the smallest changes can make a world of difference. The company started making mason jars back in 1880, and many people today still use these for canning, or collect the jars as a hobby. Your jar has the third L type of lettering (loop) which was common after around 1900 up to the introduction of the Ball Perfect Mason. With your subscription, youll receive access to my Member Library where youll find They are found with various mold numbers on the bottom. Here is an article about the newer jars being made by Ardagh: https://www.ardaghgroup.com/news-centre/the-perfect-mason, NOTE: NEW BALL PERFECT MASON JARS BEING MADE IN 2019. Is this a fake or reproduction? It stands 20 tall and is around 30 round. ", less1920-1930 gives me a little more content and makes me treasure it more as I visualize her life. Rumors have circulated for years (and have especially been promoted on auction sites and by flea market and antique mall dealers) that superstitious distillers of illegal whiskey (moonshiners) who often did use fruit jars to contain their product, were hesitant to use jars marked with a 13 on the bottom.