Ball Canning Jars

In 1885, the Ball brothers of Buffalo, New York began manufacturing a kind of glass canning jar that had been patented by John Mason in 1858. These became very popular and were known from the 1880s to the present as Ball Mason jars. For many years, they were not considered a valuable collector's item because they were mass-produced and a common sight in kitchens. Mason Blue Jar 1920 - 50. In recent years, the Ball Mason jar has become a collector's item. To assess the value of a vintage Ball Mason jar, you must consult antique glassware books and Internet forums devoted to the study of Ball Masons. Then, assess the color, markings and characteristics, such as type of lid, as well as the condition of the jar.

The way the Ball is signed gives you an Idea of when it was made.

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