Collectible Ball Mason jars can be worth money, depending on their age, design, and condition. Pint-sized jars are the most common and can range in value from just a few dollars to over $100. The oldest Ball jars date back to the 1880s, though most are from the deep aqua jars first made in 1913.
Other types of Ball Mason jars include quart, half gallon, and jelly jars. Ball Mason jars were also imprinted with various logos, obscure words, and even Mason’s patent dates. For example, the jar with the word “Perfect” in cursive script, often comes in both aqua and light blue.
It was made from 1910 to 1923 and can be worth up to $400. Other valuable Ball Mason jars include the early green colored Ball Perfect Mason, which was made in the early 1900s and can be worth up to $100 in good condition.
Amber-colored Ball Perfect Mason jars printed with the words “Mason’s Patent Nov 30th 1858” were made after 1915 and can range in value from $15 to $40.
How do I know if my mason jars are valuable?
Determining the value of mason jars depends on many factors, including the jar’s age, whether it’s an unusual container size, its condition, color, and the company that produced it. Vintage and antique jars may have more value than newer jars, so if you have an older jar, it’s worth doing a bit of research to find out the age and manufacturer.
Rare, limited-edition jars, such as those produced in limited numbers or specifically for a special occasion, may also have more value. Mason jars that are in excellent condition and don’t have any chips, scratches, or major defects will generally be more valuable than those with wear and tear.
The color of the jar is also important— some rare or antique jars will be a different color or tint than would typically be seen in modern jars, and these may fetch a higher price. Finally, the company that made the jar can also have an influence on whether a mason jar is considered valuable— rare and collectible jars from companies like Ball, Atlas, and Kerr can fetch higher prices on the secondary market.
Are Kerr Mason jars valuable?
Kerr Mason jars are valued by many collectors, with some that can be worth hundreds of dollars. While the more common Kerr Mason jars are still relatively affordable, the rarer types, including the colored and half-gallon sizes, can be worth more than the standard quart Mason jars.
The most valuable Kerr Mason jars date from the early 1900s, with a 1908 threaded neck pint jar going for as much as $200. There are also rare pieces that can be worth much more depending on their condition.
What are old Atlas Mason jars worth?
The value of old Atlas Mason jars is extremely dependent on several factors, such as their rarity, age, condition, color, and manufacturer. On average, most Atlas Mason jars manufactured before 1900 are worth around $5-$25 each, while jars from the 1900s may be worth around $20-$80 each (or more for certain rare varieties).
Some particularly rare Atlas Mason jars may be worth much more than that, with some of the earliest and most sought after jars from the Atlas E-Z Seal line (manufactured in the 1910s and 1920s) potentially worth hundreds of dollars each.
Other rare Atlas Mason jars include the Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason, Atlas H over A Mason, and Atlas Special Mason jars. As with most antiques, condition is a major factor in determining a jar’s worth.
For example, a perfect condition Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason jar may be worth significantly more than a jar in poor condition.
How old is a lamb Mason jar?
Mason jars have been around since the late 1860s, so the age of a particular Mason jar can depend on when it was made. If the jar is an authentic Mason jar, it should have some sort of embossed branding that helps date the jar.
Without knowing the exact brand, it is difficult to accurately pinpoint an age.
Fruit jars as made by John L. Mason have been made since 1858 and various other companies have made mason style jars since then, so there are many styles and sizes available. Many of the early jars that one might find at flea markets and antique stores will be from the pre-1900 era.
Another way to tell the age of a Mason jar is to look for certain colors. Mason jars were made in a variety of colors including clear, aqua, and amber, but in the very early 20th century, some limited colors were introduced like pink and yellow.
It is also possible to find reproductions of Mason jars made in the last few decades. These jars will not have the same quality or age as the originals, so it is important to do research to understand when the trade or style was first released.
How old are Mason jars with glass lids?
Mason jars with glass lids vary in age, depending on the manufacturer and the specific type of jar. The original Mason jars were produced by a tinsmith named John Landis Mason in 1858 and patented in 1858.
These jars were produced with glass lids and often featured zinc or metal rings to secure the lids to the jar. The jars were originally used by home canners and are now widely used in craft projects and as decorative pieces.
More modern versions of Mason jars with glass lids are available, too. Some of these jars feature plastic caps and even self-sealing lids that make canning and preserving easier. The age of these newer jars will depend on the manufacturer and the specific type and style of jar.
Some of the most popular modern versions, such as Ball and Kerr jars, have been in production since the 1900s.
How do I identify a Kerr jar?
Kerr jars are a type of glass canning jar that were first produced in 1903 and are still widely used today. They are recognizable by their distinctive half-gallon size, clamping lid and embossed logo that feature the Kerr name along with a cross and crown mark.
In addition to the lid design, a Kerr jar will also have straight rather than angled shoulders, and a lower profile than other brands. The glass around the jar neck will be thicker to support the weight of the lid, and the base will have a ridged or dimpled design.
Kerr jars also come in a variety of colors, including blush pink, yellow and blue. The color of a Kerr jar helps identify the age of the jar, so a pink colored Kerr is indicative of a jar that was made prior to the 1940s.
Are Ball and Kerr jars the same?
No, Ball and Kerr jars are not the same. Ball and Kerr jars are the two most popular types of glass canning jars. Both of these jars have threaded lids that use rubber or silicone to create a seal. Ball jars are made of tempered glass with a smooth exterior and threads on the inside of the neck, while Kerr jars are made of heavy glass with threads on the outside of the neck.
The differences between these two jars also extend to their shape and size. Ball jars are available in a variety of sizes, from small 4-ounce jars to larger 1-gallon jars. Kerr jars are generally shorter, wider and square-shaped.
Both brands of jars are an affordable storage solution for your kitchen or canning projects.
What is the difference between Kerr and Ball canning jars?
The main difference between Kerr and Ball canning jars is in their lids. Ball canning jars come with lids that have a ring and a flat lid that screws onto the ring. The flat lid should be slightly concave to create a vacuum seal when heated.
The Kerr canning jars come with two-piece lids. The bottom lid is a flat piece with a rubber seal and the top lid is a kitchen shaped piece that screws onto the bottom to create the vacuum seal. Both types of jars can be used for canning, but the Kerr lids may require more careful monitoring during the canning process as the seals are more susceptible to developing leaks.
Generally, Kerr lids are best used for short-term storage, while Ball lids are better for longer-term storage.
Do Ball lids work on Kerr jars?
Yes, Ball lids work on Kerr jars. The Ball and Kerr brands have been designed to be compatible with each other, so that their lids fit both jars securely and are easy to open and close. Ball lids also have a plastisol inside the lid that serves to provide an airtight seal for the jars and prevent any food or liquids stored inside from spoiling.
The plastisol also helps create a secure seal on the jars so that the contents stay inside until opened and can also be used for canning. Ball lids work with all kinds of Kerr jars, including quilted, wide-mouth, and regular-mouth jars.
To ensure a good seal and successful canning, the lid should be gently removed and re-applied after filling the jar and processing according to the directions on the jar.
Which is better regular or wide mouth Mason jars?
Whether you choose a regular or wide mouth Mason jar largely depends on your personal preference and what you plan to use the jar for.
Regular mouth Mason jars are best at preserving food, canning, and storing items. They are easier to properly seal with a lid and have a more traditional jar design. Regular mouth jars work well for preserving small fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches.
The smaller opening also allows for easier pouring and more precise measurement.
Wide mouth Mason jars have a larger opening which makes them easier to fill with larger items. They are great for storing, organizing, and displaying items. The jars are also easier to clean given the larger opening.
Wide mouth Mason jars are also easier to decorate or customize since the larger opening provides more space for adding embellishments.
If you need a multi-purpose jar for both preserving and displaying items, a wide mouth Mason jar is a great option. However, if you need a jar for preserving food, regular mouth Mason jars offer a good seal with the lid and make it easier to use precise measurements when filling the jar.
It ultimately comes down to personal choice and what tasks you plan to use the Mason jar for.
Are mason jar lids universal?
No, mason jar lids are not universal, unfortunately. Generally speaking, there are two types of jar lid threads – regular and wide-mouth – and lids that fit these threads come in various sizes, styles, and materials.
So, it’s important to ensure that you get the right lid for your jar or you’ll risk either not being able to open it, or causing damage to the jar threads when you try to open it. A good way to ensure you get the right lid is to make sure that you get the same size jar as the lid and that they are both the same thread type (regular or wide-mouth).
If the lid you bought doesn’t fit the jar you have, you’ll need to either return it and get a different lid or purchase a new jar with the right size and thread type.
Do PUR lids fit Ball jars?
Yes, PUR lids fit Ball jars. Ball mason jars are designed to use two-piece closures (lids and bands), which are available in either regular-mouth or wide-mouth sizes. Ball-branded lids are compatible with their branded jars and are available in both regular and wide-mouth sizes.
PUR lids are a separate brand of two-piece closures, also available in both regular and wide-mouth sizes, which are compatible with Ball jars when the appropriate sizes are matched. If you already own Ball jars, however, make sure to pick the right size.
Regular-mouth lids will fit regular-mouth jars and wide-mouth lids wide-mouth jars.
Where are Kerr canning lids made?
Kerr canning lids are made by Alltrista Home Canning, a division of Jarden Corporation based in Fishers, Indiana. Alltrista Home Canning has been making home-canning lids since 1903, using its patented process to create a canning lid that fits securely to the mason jar to create a fully sealed container that is both safe and airtight.
Alltrista Home Canning’s line of Kerr canning lids is made in the USA and is available in regular mouth and wide mouth sizes. Kerr canning lids can be found at grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers throughout the country.
How do you tell how old a Kerr mason jar is?
In order to tell how old a Kerr mason jar is, you must first identify the specific jar. Kerr was founded in 1903, so any jar made before then is definitely well over 100 years old! Generally speaking, the best way to tell how old a Kerr mason jar is by looking for specific markings on the jar.
For instance, Kerr jars made before about 1915 will have the Doanvine Cross, which was the logo of the Doanvine Glass Company, which Kerr purchased in 1915. After 1915, Kerr used the name “Kerr” on the jar, with various changes in the font and style the word was written in through the years.
Other characteristics that can be used to identify how old a Kerr mason jar is include things like its size, shape, and color. Most jars made by Kerr were made with clear glass, although variations in green glass have been noted over the years.
Additionally, many of the jars made by Kerr have a ring around the mouth of the jar, which is an indication of their age. All of these attributes can be used to help identify the age of a particular Kerr mason jar.
What year did Kerr canning jars come out?
Kerr canning jars have been around since 1903, when the Hermetic Fruit Jar Company was first founded by Alexander H. Kerr. The first Kerr canning jars were made from glass, with screw-on lids to keep food safe and airtight for preservation.
In 1915, Kerr changed the name of their company to the Ball-Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company and started producing jars with the now-iconic fluted edges.
The Ball-Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company continued producing their canning jars throughout the 20th century until they were acquired by the Alltrista Corporation (which later became the Jarden Corporation) in 1993.
Alltrista reformulated the basic design of the classic canning jars, adding two-piece canning lids and specialized “wide-mouth” jars to the lineup. These modern-style Kerr canning jars continue to be produced today, and can be found throughout the United States in various shapes, sizes and colors.
Are Kerr jars still made?
Yes, Kerr jars are still made today. The company has been in existence since 1915 and is now owned by the Alltrista Corporation. The company produces a variety of jar types, including the famous Kerr Mason jars.
They are still made from glass and the popular lid and ring design for sealing remains unchanged. Kerr jars come in a wide range of sizes, from 4-ounce mini jars to over 2-quart sizes. The jars are often used for canning and preserving foods and beverages, but can also be used for decorative and craft projects.
You can find Kerr jars at most grocery stores, department stores, and specialty shops.