In 1858, John Landis Mason invented the screw-on lid and patented it with his brother Henry. The jars were originally intended for home canning to preserve fruits, vegetables and other foods. Home canning was a new concept in the mid-19th century and Ball Mason jars helped make it possible.
These clear glass jars with their airtight lids allowed people to store food for months or even years.
The Screw-on lid made the Ball Mason jar one of the most popular canning jars of its time and Ball became a household name. The company was sold several times over the years and changed hands many times.
Today, Ball is owned by Jarden Corporation and continues to be a leader in home canning supplies.
- Check the bottom of the Ball Mason jar for a date
- If there is no date on the bottom of the jar, check for mold numbers or other markings that might indicate its age
- Once you have determined the age of your Ball Mason jar, you can begin to research its value
- Collectors typically pay more for jars that are in good condition and that have unique colors or designs
- You can find out what collectors are willing to pay for Ball Mason jars by searching online auction sites or contacting antique dealers in your area
Date Old Ball Mason Jars
What Do the Numbers on the Bottom of Ball Mason Jars Mean?
The numbers on the bottom of Ball Mason jars refer to the jar’s capacity in ounces. The first number is the jar’s diameter in inches, while the second number is the jar’s height in inches. For example, a Ball Mason jar with the numbers “3” and “4” on the bottom has a 3-inch diameter and a 4-inch height.
Which Ball Mason Jars are Most Valuable?
There are a few factors that contribute to the value of Ball Mason jars. The age of the jar, the condition of the jar, and the color of the glass are all important.
The most valuable Ball Mason jars are those that were made in the early 1900s.
These jars are often called “Depression era” jars because they were made during the Great Depression. They are also sometimes called “jelly jars” because they were commonly used for canning fruits and vegetables.
Ball Mason jars that were made in the early 1900s are usually green or aqua in color.
Jars that are blue or clear are less rare, and therefore less valuable. Ball Mason jars that have a pontil mark on the bottom were also made in this era and are worth more than those without this mark.
Depression era Ball Mason jars typically sell for $20-40 each, depending on their condition and color.
Blue and clear jars from this era typically sell for $10-20 each. Jars with a pontil mark can sell for $50 or more.
What Years were Ball Perfect Mason Jars Made?
The Ball Perfect Mason was produced for about thirty years, from 1913 to 1943. The very first jars were made in Buffalo, New York. Invented by John L. Mason, the screw-on lid and its accompanying jar became a staple in American kitchens during the first half of the twentieth century.
Jars made during this time period are still highly sought after by collectors.
During World War II, production of canning jars ceased because raw materials were needed for the war effort instead. After the war ended, there was a renewed interest in home canning and preserving food.
The Ball company responded by producing a new line of canning jars called the Ball Ideal series which were very similar to the original Perfect Mason jars.
The Ideal series was eventually replaced by the Victory series jars which were produced from 1945 until 1949 when Ball once again stopped making canning jars due to a shortage of raw materials. Production resumed in 1950 with the introduction of the Gold Seal line which included both regular and wide mouth versions of the jar.
These remained in production until 1960 when they were discontinued and replaced by yet another new design called simply “Ball Canning Jars” which are still being produced today.
Are Old Ball Mason Jars Worth Anything?
Old Ball Mason jars are worth quite a bit, actually! If you have any that are in good condition, they could easily fetch a few hundred dollars each at auction. The most sought-after jars are those that were made in the early 1900s, before the company switched to making machine-made jars.
These hand-blown jars are much rarer and therefore more valuable. But even if your Ball Mason jars aren’t super old, they’re still worth something. So dig them out of the attic and see what you’ve got!
Credit: treasurepursuits.com
Ball Mason Jar Value Guide
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned Mason jars, then you know that they can be worth a pretty penny. But how do you know how much your jars are really worth?
There are a few things to consider when assessing the value of a Ball Mason jar.
First, consider the age of the jar. The older the jar, the more valuable it is. Second, take a look at the condition of the jar.
If it’s in good condition, it will be worth more than if it’s chipped or cracked. Finally, think about what type of Mason jar it is. There are different types of jars, and some are more rare than others.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can start to get an idea of how much your Ball Mason jar is worth. Of course, ultimately the value is up to the buyer, but knowing what to look for will help you get the best price possible!
Ball Perfect Mason Blue Jar Value
If you happen to have an old Ball Perfect Mason blue jar lying around, you might be wondering what it’s worth. These jars were produced between 1913 and 1960 and are highly collectible, with some fetching high prices at auction. The value of a Ball Perfect Mason blue jar depends on several factors, including its age, condition, and provenance.
The older the jar, the more valuable it is. Ball Perfect Mason jars were first produced in 1913, so jars from this era are especially sought-after by collectors. Jars from the 1920s and 1930s are also quite valuable.
Condition is another important factor in determining value. A perfect, mint condition jar will obviously be worth more than a chipped or cracked one. And finally, provenance can make a big difference in value.
If your jar has an interesting history – such as being used by a famous person or surviving a natural disaster – it will be worth more than a run-of-the-mill Jar.
So, if you have a Ball Perfect Mason blue jar sitting around, do some research to find out its value. You might just have a real treasure on your hands!
Most Valuable Mason Jars
Mason jars are one of the most popular and versatile pieces of canning equipment around. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and can be used for everything from storing dry goods to preserving fruits and vegetables.
There are a few things that make Mason jars so valuable.
First, they’re durable and heat-resistant, which makes them perfect for canning. Second, they’re easy to clean and sterilize, so you can use them over and over again. And third, they’re affordable – you can find them at any hardware or grocery store.
Whether you’re a beginner canner or a seasoned pro, Mason jars are a great option for preserving your food. So next time you head to the store, pick up a few extra jars – you’ll be glad you did!
Conclusion
Summary:
In order to date Ball Mason jars, you will need to look for certain identifying factors. These can include the style of the jar, the size of the jar, and any embossed markings on the jar.
Once you have determined the approximate age of the jar, you can begin your search for a specific date. The most accurate way to date a Ball Mason jar is by checking the patent date stamped on the lid.