

In some cases, markings also indicate the age of the containers. The chemical composition of the materials used to make the glass cast a blue, green, purple, or amber hue to the glass, which makes them easily identifiable as antiques. Until recently, the color of old Mason jars provided some indication of their age and collectability. The shapes of the jars were not universal and differed in height, width, curvature, and accents from product to product. They listed the name of their product, the location where it was manufactured, and the company name in raised letters on the glass itself. Where contemporary glass jars have paper labels, glass Mason jars from the early 1900s that are now collectible did things a little differently. What are the differences between antique and contemporary glass jars? Both the half-gallon and gallon Mason jars are used primarily for dry food storage, although some food manufacturers use them for pickled food. Gallon - Gallon Mason jars hold four quarts.Half-gallon - Half-gallon jars hold two quarts.Quart - Quart Mason jars hold two pints, which is equal to four cups.A pint fruit jar holds 16 fluid ounces or two eight-ounce cups.

Half-pint - Half-pint Mason jars, used for jellies and jams, hold eight ounces.These jars are available in five sizes, which include: Ball and Mason jar sizes availableīall and Mason jars are available in both wide-mouth and standard canning jars openings. This company also makes specialized, long-lasting lids that enable the Mason jars to be used for short and long-term food storage. The Mason jar company has differentiated itself by producing commercial canning jars and lids for food fermentation at home. Ball and Kerr products are manufactured by another company altogether. Canning jars manufactured by Ball and Kerr, however, are still called Mason jars. John Mason patented the canning jar in 1858, and the Ball brothers patented their own design in the 1880s. Are Mason jars the same as Ball and Kerr jars? Though collectible Mason jars are valued for their aesthetic appeal and heritage, their contemporary counterparts can be used for any and all of the same purposes. These antique Mason jars have traditionally been used for a host of different purposes, ranging from pickling food to arts and crafts designs. A Quick Guide to Collectible Jars From 1900 to NowĬanning jars are one of the few products that have changed very little in style since they were invented in the 19th century.
