Settled in Wheeling, WV, the Hazel-Atlas company started in 1902 when two parent companies (Atlas Glass, WA and Hazel Glass, PA) merged. The keynote item for this business was fruit jars.

Overall Hazel-Atlas jars weren’t overly remarkable but for a few. In particular collectors should watch for Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason (which was designed to have a durable neck to keep it from cracking, and typically came in a blue hue).

There’s Atlas E-Z seal (a lightning jar with a raised lip also intended to strengthen the jar), and a third jar – the Atlas H over A Mason jar. These three items kept Atlas among the largest of the jar makers in the 1940s alongside Ball and Kerr.

Be aware, however, that if you see a jar marked Atlas Mason, this is likely a new product by a new Atlas company on the market.

Some items for which to be on the watch include:

• Amber E-Z seal
• Light Green E-Z seal
• Atlas Mason patent quart
• Atlas SS (green)
• Special Mason (blue)
• Pint size (blue green)
• Oil-vinegar cruets
• Milk glass Storage jars
• Toddy sets (often amethyst)
• Marmalade jar and spoon sets
• Butter churn
• Cobalt Depression glass creamer
• Colony bowls
• Refrigerator jars
• Tumblers

Serious investors may wish to get a book 1000 Fruit Jars: Priced and Illustrated,” by Bill Schroeder. This is available from Collector Books, P.O. Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009 (also online at Amazon) and is a great resource in helping distinguish the Atlas jars that have sustained value vs. those that aren’t worth much more than a dollar.

Be aware that if you see a jar marked Atlas Mason, this is likely a new product by a new Atlas company on the market

You can find out more about Atlas Vintage canning jars by visiting Answers.com Atlas Jars.