I did a little shopping this weekend at my favorite antique and “junk ‘in” spots! I found some really cool old Ball jars. They are quart sized and have sloped shoulders. Some of the glass is wavy and many have bubbles. I’ve never seen any quite like this before, so I brought them home. After doing some research online, I found that these are probably one of the earlier sets of Ball jars to be manufactured. Would you like to know how old your vintage mason jar is?
VINTAGE ball JAR CHART
dating fruit jars
about my vintage ball jars
So, I’m pretty confident that these jars do date c1896 – 1910, which makes sense because one thing that drew me to them were the awesome bubbles and waves in the glass. And, each jar is slightly unique in placement of the raised lettering – which would indicate that they are not machine made. All of the jars I found have zinc lids with the milk glass inside. Some of the zinc lids have Ball embossed on them, but others are just plain.
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You just gave me a great idea – you could do a screen shot of the chart with your phone as a quick reference when out thrifting or even print it out!
I have a gallon Ball jar w/zinc lid, & w/ no logo or other marks on the side. There is the name “Ball” on the bottom along w/ other numbers. Is this enough to date my jar?
Wow – I’ve never seen one like that? Sorry I can’t help you with that one.
I have 3 of these kind also. Curious to know if you found out information on it? Thanks!
What color are they
I found a white porcelain ball zinc cap in the river in Idaho half showing. In good shape plain bare other than ball zinc Mason around the outer area. Appears to be 1890s from my research.
I have a aqua colored perfect mason jar that has bubbles in glass on throughout the words it’s feels like Brazil on the words and has a 1 – on bottom when was it made is it rate
I have a half gallon blue Fruit jar that only has Mason on it no Ball any information on this please
I’m sorry that I don’t have any information about this kind of jar.
I also have these jars. They were found in my MIL’s house. She is 84 and the house was her mother’s and over 100 years old. Haven’t been able to find anything even close on the internet. The bottom has a 14(circled), an A, 75, and 5 raised circular dots.
I have a quart jar with Mason cursive and underlined on one side. The opposite side has a picture of The Liberty Bell with 1776 on top of picture and 1976 underneath. Any clue when this was made and the worth?
These were made in 1976. Here is a listing for four for sale on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/listing/589954441/vintage-canning-jars-vintage-mason
I have a jar that says “the Mason” a few air bubbles and the edges from the mold. How old is this jar?
I’m not sure. You can do some searches on the internet. I only have the information for the “Ball” brand jars.
I have a pint size light blue triple L ball jar with several air bubbles with the lid. No chips or cracks. The lid is oxidized but not rusted. How much do you think it is worth?
I’m sorry, but I don’t know.
I have a Ball jar that from the logo tells me it is from 1900-1910. It also has air bubbles and an ampersand on the bottom. And it has a zinc lid. What do you think the value of it might be?
I was told by an old junk resale guy, that had crates and crates of these – I bought a bunch of them- that the numbers on the bottom mean something about the value- and the #8 is one that he said is most sought after- he would tell me why, and made me turn each one I bought over so he could make sure I wasn’t getting one with that number (lol) all of mine have the triple “L” with zinc lids and milk glass insert.
I would like to say I made a mistake in my previous comment- it was #13 not #8.
But- I found this explaining the mold number on the bottom and the myth about #13
http://www.fruitjar.org/ballweb/FAQ.htm
These Ball jars are a great find. I notice you did not mention their color. I’m thinking the color might help in some part of identification.
I found the post about identifying Ball Jars as a post on my facebook page from an Account known as “Vintage History.” I am inspired to get a better look at those I have.
I have a Ball mason jar, blue, wire closure, I have identified as 1923 to 1933 based on logo, not a dropped “a” and no underscore, IDEAL all caps underneath. Most information I see online shows embossed patent date 1858 or 1908. This one does not have any embossed patent date underneath IDEAL. Bottom of jar has what looks like a Question Mark without the period, and under that a dash about one CM distance from the Questions Mark.
Sorry, adding information to previous comment. This is a very light blue, vintage appearing jar. Was wondering if there is a difference between the IDEAL jars that have the patent dates versus this one? Sorry for any confusion. Any information is appreciated!
I found over 100 Mason and Ball Mason jars under the house last week. 3 sizes. some large jars have only circled tiny m on one side, # on other side, # bottom?
I have a blue Atlas Mason Quart jar with a sink lid that has bubbles and what appears to be runs in the glass. It says Strong Shoulder but it doesn’t have any kind of a date. I was wondering if perhaps you would possibly know anything about this kind of jar.
I’m sorry, I dont.
I have an antique canning jar that holds almost 8 cups that I think might be rare because I have searched online and Ebay and have never seen one like it. It is round, clear glass, wider circumference at the bottom and the narrower top will fit a regular mouth lid. But, the unusual thing about it is the LOGO. Written across diagonally, the logo says “Standard” in cursive writing and below it, also diagonally, it has what looks sort of like a banner with the word MASON (all in capital letters) written within the banner.
Would you know 1) how old this jar is, 2) maybe the value if you know it and 3) if it has lead in it? I would like to store cold juice or leftover liquid coffee in it, if it has no lead in it. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge.
I’m so sorry, but I can’t help with that.
My jar has no name or markings. There are bubbles in the glass and line marks on the sides. There are no marks on the lid or insert inside. I holds 3 quarts of water. Can you tell what it is? Thank you Adrienne
I’m sorry, but I don’t know the answer.
I have a number 12 no underscore ball isnt underlined color green do you the value
I’m sorry, but I don’t.