Determine the size of the jar, or read the notation on the front to see how much the jar holds. These humble glass pieces were designed for putting up fruits and vegetables in the days before refrigeration. The two glass factories connected with the gilchrist jar co. Glass jars with this embossed marking was almost certainly the most popular jar for home canning ever. Until 1858, canning jars used a glass jar, a tin flat lid, and sealing wax, which. These vintage mason jars from the 1840s to the 1920s are the staple of retro country charm. Clamp lid mason jar mason jars with trigger lid store liquids or dry goods, serve desserts, drinks or appetizers 3. From recipes to canning, to gifting and more, the possibilities are endless and the results are always beautiful. The company started making mason jars back in 1880, and many people today still use these for canning, or collect the jars as a. Putnam and the lightning fastener bill lockhart, beau schriever, bill lindsey, and carol serr the history of henry w. A new type of mason jar known as a bead jar was introduced around 1910 to 1915. The roots of the ball glass manufacturing company go back to 1880, when frank and edmund ball of buffalo, new york, purchased the wooden jacket can company. The ball logo can often be seen on your favorite can of beer, but is no longer related to the ball jars bearing the same logo being produced today.
A mason jar, named after john landis mason who first invented and patented it in 1858, is a. It has a kerr lid, which is rusted on, i havent cleaned it, it is just the way he found it. Newell brands introduces new ball jar innovations in time. Ball fresh preserving celebrates the 5th anniversary of. Jars of the past special he manufacture of the first ball fruit jar marks the beginning of a fascinating history for collectors. It is best known for its early production of glass jars, lids, and related products used for home canning. Enjoy freshly made foods tonight or tomorrow with the help of this ball regular mouth lids and bands. History of the home canning jar and collecting antique mason, ball. Since 1885, ball has created eight logo variations associated to certain time periods.
But before we jump in, liets take a look at some of the history behind these vintage collectibles. It is important to accurately identify the age of old bottles and jars, so that you will be confident that you are in possession of. The collectors ultimate guide to canning jars country living. As a back story, the ball brothers became prominent citizens of muncie. He taught me everything i know about ball jars, but not everything he knows. In truth, moonshiners did in fact use mason jars as the preferred container for their product. This is a ball jar my husband found at the ranch where he works. Process jams and jellies in a boiling water bath to prevent mold growth. Ball regular mason jar 8 oz, set of 8 canning jars, with airtight lids bands. The ball companys logo was embossed onto the surface of the jars, which were made of either amber or aqua bluegreen glass. The history of the ball jar stamp throughout the years. Labels securely adhere to jars for easy storage, organizing, and gifting. For the history of the ball home canning line since 1993, see the page on newell. The ball corporation became the largest manufacture of canning jars in the world.
Antique bottles command a high value, and collectors can make a profit while reselling antique bottles and jars. The only jars i have that might be added to this list would be some of my ball special jars. The ball perfect mason jar, one of the most common jars of this style, was introduced around 19 and produced until the midtwentieth. These vintage canning jars from the 1840s to the 1920s are the staple of retro country charm. Ball has a history of developing packaging solutions to ensure your products stand out on store shelves. Mar 26, 2020 ball is one of the most recognized names in home canning.
Jar lids were produced in their metal fabricating factory. Ball, kerr and bernardin jars all made by their respective brands. Learn about values with this vintage canning jar price guide, including manufacturers, dates, and prices. People have been preserving food since our very first days. Ball regular mouth lids with bands fit all regular mouth ball preserving jars. Preserving howto official site ball australia home. Welcome to my antique and vintage canning jar price guide.
Ironically, while its one of the more iconic products of all time, few people know the history behind the ageless invention. History of ball mason jars ball mason jars, thrifting, old. Guide 1 principles of home canning food preservation. Ball wide mouth plastic storage caps are ideal for storing or freezing with ball wide mouth glass preserving jars. From preserving pickles and jams to storage and decor, ball mason jars have been a part of americas families for over a century. The invention of the fruit jar, or mason jar as it was called, made life a little easier. See more ideas about canning jars, ball jars and mason jars. Are the ball jars with the number on bottom worth more money and, if so, why. Collecting old bottles and jars can be an interesting and engaging hobby. Ball brothers glass manufacturing company glass bottle marks.
Specific instructions for firsttimers and handy tips for the experienced make the ball complete book of home preserving a valuable addition to any kitchen library. The collectors edition ball aqua vintage jars are designed with the aesthetics of the past. The latest edition of this comprehensive guide features preserving. Ball aqua vintage jars are available in half pint, pint, and quart sizes. Pdf home canning of fruit and fruit products researchgate. This was also the year of a new ball strategy acquiring the competition. Prepare the canning jars before you start to make the jellied product. Fantastic mason jar hacks are offered on our internet site. List of highest valued ball jars the ball jar ccc home page.
This chart shows how the label for the ball jar company, which started producing mason jars in 1885, has changed. The short process times in this publication are for jams and jellies with all of the sugar listed. Masons 1858 patent for a fruitcanning jar expired, the brothers prepared to move into glass. The urban legend is that moonshiners used mason jars for their product, and, being superstitious, would break the unlucky ones with on the base. Ball is one of the most recognized names in home canning. The ball perfect mason was a brand of glass fruit jar canning jar made by the ball bros. Typical modern canning jars come in pint, quart, 2 quarts, 4 ounces or 8ounce sizes. The new ball stars and stripes keepsake jar features the classic ball logo as well as a new, festive stars and stripes embossment to provide a fun, patriotic touch in time for the summer.
The ball brothers buffalo jars, which were made in such sizes as halfgallon, pint, and midget, were manufactured during a part of 1884, 1885, and 1886. The ball brothers set up their new operation and began to acquire many of the smaller jar manufacturers, and as they say, the rest is history. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Find a recipe from a reliable source like the ball website, the national center. For every package of sharing jars purchased, newell brands will donate four meals to feeding america. In 1883, they switched to glass and three years later to fruit. Collecting canning jars and the history of the common canning jar.
Aug 25, 2015 country living editors select each product featured. Mason jars are everywhere, but how did they get to be so ubiquitous. What history of fruit jars would be complete without the ball company. After a destructive fire in the buffalo plant, however. The ball blue book is one of the two main books in the accepted american canon of home canning the other being the usda complete guide. Dick is a retired curator of business and industrial history at minnetrista. Everything you need for fresh preserving, whether youre a beginner or a canning pro. Ball spins off its home canning jar division, naming it alltrista.
New listing cobalt blue qt masons jar patent 1858 with lid. In the early 1880s, william charles ball, his brothers, edmund burke, and george alexander began making wood jacketed tin cans for the storage of oil, lard and paint. Kerr selfsealing jars and the kerr economy were created in 1903. I think i can safely add the 3l deep ball blue hg two known i also feel like the 3l sca pint could be added i dont know of another but that doesnt mean anything, as well as the 3l clear qt, but that is just my guess, i did not pay quite that much. San francisco man julius landsberger patented metal lids fastened onto a composition gasket.
In the early 1900s, there were hundreds of brands of mason jars, but only a few stood the test of time. Leftover foods and tasty smoothies would be nothing if not for mason jars, but you might not be aware of their many, many uses outside the kitchen. Ball canning jars ball mason jars milk glass glass jars clear glass amber bottles old bottles redneck wine vintage mason jars this is a price guide. Jun 05, 2019 the 2019 products that are joining the ball fresh preserving family include.
Since its founding in buffalo, new york in 1880, when it was known as the wooden jacket can company, the ball company has expanded and diversified into other business ventures, including. The logo will tell you how to date ball mason jars. Ball mason jars are a type of home canning jar made by the ball corporation. These continuous screwthread jars were designed with a bead between the screw threads and the shoulder as a sealing surface. The story of how the invention of a single individual at wilkesbarre. Stoneware developed an expertise in formulating ceramic materials with superior wear resistance to meet the requirements of various process industries. My children ages 3 and 6 were very excited about the project. Though you will not be able to tell the exact year it was made, you will be able to get a good approximation. See ball brothers glass company page, for a brief summary of that glass company.
These jars have a narrower sealing surface and are. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Advertisement ball rapidly increased their glass production after the move, and was soon churning out tremendous numbers of glass fruit jars of all types at their macedonia. Just pop a round rack or kitchen rag into the bottom of the pot so that the water can circulate fully around the jars. The book includes comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserving methods plus lists of required equipment and utensils.
The patents for the mason fruit jars were almost certainly the most. In 2016, jarden was acquired by newell rubbermaid in a move that was branded a merger. A hundred and fifty years ago, these jars meant survival, authenticity, repurposed, in a mason jar. Originally located in buffalo, new york, ball brothers glass manufacturing company relocated to muncie, indiana in 1888 as a result of the natural gas boom of the 1880s. Canning can be a safe and economical way to preserve quality food at home. The merged company renamed itself to newell brands. How to date old ball mason jars with pictures wikihow. To make the project more fun, this controlfreak mama let them do all of the work including pouring the water and dumping in the glitter. See more ideas about glass jars, ball jars and canning jars.
The versatile vessels have quickly evolved from just a simple canning necessity to an essential wedding decoration, easy craft project base, and overall country home staple. Consolidated sold the fruit jar rights to the hero glass works about 1883. Ball plays a critical role in the quest to explore the universe, protect our planet and support those who serve the nation. How to tell if a mason jar is antique our pastimes. Disregarding the value of your labor, canning homegrown food may save you half the cost of buying. History of the home canning jar and collecting antique mason. Ball has released special heritage vintage jars in blue, green and purple. Kerr also founded the hermetic fruit jar company in the same year. Kerr used the patents to create a revelation in preserving food. A history of fruit jars wouldnt be complete without mentioning the ball.
Aug 29, 2016 the ball brothers took the initiative to massproduce kerrs design which is why youll find many mason jars have the ball logo etched onto the side and, from 1939 to 1949, americans snapped up over three million jars. The rounded shoulders, aqua color and ball logo date back to usage from 19101923. In the common green shade, this wire bale 1910 model commands a respectable rate. The history of preserving our food, the containers and. Youll meet enthusiastic and knowledgeable jar collectors, including club president dick cole. The production of the first ball glass jar in 1884 marks the beginning of a fascinating history. In it youll find many commonly found canning jars and their suggested values. Ball plastic storage caps provide more ways to store your creations. Originally the brothers manufactured metal cans wrapped in wood, but when john l. This year, we celebrate 5 years of ball heritage with the release of our new aqua vintage jars.
Bill lockhart, beau schriever, carol serr, and bill lindsey with contributions by jim sears it was only by chance that two brothers named ball, manufacturers of cans at buffalo. Ball deluxe starter kit 20l preserving pot with preserving rack or an equally large stocking with a preserving rack. An inveterate inventor, he entered into the bottle stopper realm early 1859 and continued to be involved until his retirement in 1898. We have never seen one like it and are wondering if anyone has any information about it. Ball machine invented patented 1898 worlds first semiautomatic glass machine 1898 ft. May 18, 2007 the only jars i have that might be added to this list would be some of my ball special jars. The jars are also known as ball jars, thanks to the ball corporation that still manufactures the jars today, as.
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