Dating vintage ball jars

How do you date Old Ball Mason jars?

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 how old a Ball jar is?

If you have a Ball jar, you can date most of them just by looking at the logo. Every few years, the Ball Manufacturing Co changed the logo and if you compare yours to a reliable chart, you know how old it is. All you need is a chart like the one below.

Are your Ball jars antiques?

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Your Ball jars could be antiques!

Do all jars have a manufacture date on the bottom?

Not every jar has their manufacture date on the glass, but most have the patent date. However, this date has no relation to the year your jar was made. 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.

How can you tell how old a ball Mason Jar is?

To date an old Ball mason jar, look at the logo on the jar. If the logo is an insignia made up of the letters BBGMC, the jar was made between 1885 and 1886. If the logo is written using block letters, the jar was likely made between 1892 and 1896.

What are Ball Mason jars?

Ball mason jars are a type of home canning jar made by the Ball Corporation. The company started making mason jars back in 1880, and many people today still use these for canning, or collect the jars as a hobby. There are many ways to date old Ball mason jars, and one of the easiest is to look at the logo.

When did they start making special Mason jars?

Later, the jars were produced with the wording “Ball Mason Improved” between 1900 and 1933. “Special:” Between 1910 and 1913, Ball mason jars were printed with the words “Ball Special Mason” in all block letters.

How old are the mason jars your grandma used?

For example, this Ball Mason jar with the phrase “perfect” on the bottom is approximately from 1913-1922. You can now buy the vintage Mason jars your grandma used. Mason jars were manufactured in many different colors, including clear, pale blue, yellow, amber, olive and various other greens.

How can I tell how old a jar is?

Not every jar has their manufacture date on the glass, but most have the patent date. However, this date has no relation to the year your jar was made. There will be a large number on the bottom of your jar.

How can you tell what year a mason jar is made?

Ignore the mold number on the jar. Many Ball mason jars have a number printed on the bottom of the jar, but this is a mold number that does not indicate the year of production. Rather, the mold number tells you where the jar was positioned on the glass-making machine that was used to produce it.

What does the number on the bottom of a jar mean?

The number is the number of the mold used to make the jar. Thanks! I have a half gallon, ball blue, ideal wire side, with the dropped A. Any value?

Are Kerr jars still made today?

Todays modern Kerr jars are all machine-made. Typically embossed on the jar is the date of manufacture, plant location, job number, and other information. The Kerr lids have gone through several evolutions since 1903 and should never be reused for canning.