How old is my mason jar?

How old is my mason jar?

There are many ways to date old Ball mason jars, and one of the easiest is to look at the logo. Along with the logo, you can sometimes use the color, size, and other distinguishing marks to help date a mason jar.

How can you tell if Mason jars are fake?

Beware! They typically “look new” with a “slickness” to the glass, little or no base wear, and usually have no damage of any kind. Some of the mold numbers that may be seen on the bottoms which usually indicate a fake jar include: 1171 , 851 and 971.

What Mason jars are worth money?

The most valuable mason jars are:

1. Van Vliet Improved Jar – $23,500.
2. Black Amber Magic Star Fruit Jar – $3,000.
3. 1933 Ball Upside Down Error Jar – $1,000. There are two types of Ball upside-down Mason jars.
4. The 1870 Chief Mason Jar – $800. (Photo: gregspurgeon.com)
5. 1858 Willoughby Stopple Jar – $500. (Photo: hoosierjar.com)

Do old Mason jars have any value?

Nowadays, you can even buy a big flat of Mason jars for pretty cheap at your local craft or household goods store — but the older ones can fetch much higher prices. 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.

What do the numbers on the bottom of Mason jars mean?

Not every jar has their manufacture date on the glass, but most have the patent date. 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.

Why are old canning jars blue?

Feeling Blue Those blue mason jars were mass produced until 1937 using sand from around Lake Michigan. It was that sand that gave the glass its blue hue.

Are ball lids made in China?

Made in the USA. Designed for preserving food, you can seal in the freshness and enjoy freshly made foods tonight or tomorrow. Includes 12 lids with metal construction for regular mouth canning jars. They’re easy to wash clean.

What do numbers on bottom of Mason jars mean?

What are old Atlas Mason jars worth?

Most Atlas Mason jars sell for under $15, but there are a few examples that can be worth much more….Here are some example Atlas Mason jar values:

• An Atlas “Good Luck” Mason jar sold for about $15.
• A blue pint-sized Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason sold for just under $50.

How do you date Kerr Mason jars?

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.

Do old Mason jars contain lead?

Ball is the most consistently Lead-free brand I have found (with just a few exceptions.) Conversely, almost all Kerr jars I have tested have been positive for low-levels of lead (20 to 40 ppm range) – with very few exceptions.

What is the mold number on Masons Patent Nov 30th 1858?

NOTE: Other Patent Nov 30th 1858 reproduction jars are reported with a mold number “H430” on the base (thank you Chris!).

When did John Landis Mason patent the mason jar?

Mason’s (Keystone In Circle) Patent Nov. 30th 1858 Antique 19th Cent. Jar 9.25″ THE BALL MASONS! 2 Old Barely Embossed Antique Mason Jars Patent Nov 30th 1858. Ever since John Landis Mason got the Mason jar patent on November 30th, 1858, hundreds of different mason jar designs by scores of different glassmakers were created.

Where can I find a mason jar from 1858?

Some glassmakers of original Mason patent Nov 30th 1858 jars include Atlantic Glass Works, also seen as Crowleytown Glass Works, and Consolidated Fruit Jar Company. Whether an original, a reproduction, or a fantasy jar, before buying any antique Mason jars on eBay, examine it closely to make sure it meets certain quality criteria.

Where is the Maltese cross on a Mason’s patent?

Some MASON’S PATENT NOV 30th 1858-type jars are marked with a “Maltese Cross” symbol (which indicates the Hero Glass Works / Hero Fruit Jar Company, of Philadelphia, PA) either above or below the word MASON’S. On most examples, the letters “H”, “F”, “J” and “Co” can be faintly seen within each “arm” of the cross.