By: Cecil Stoner

Cecil Stoner — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:58:57 +0000

Hello,
I’m looking for jar lids that was used back in the 30’s the lids are 2 1/2 inches in diamter. they were put on the jars then wax poured on to seal them. Do you know where I can get them
The lids were metal.
Thank You Cecil Stoner

By: Ms. Max Grudzinski

Ms. Max Grudzinski — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:27:05 +0000

I recently inherited a number of older canning jars of different brands from a neighbor who passed away. Of course I have Kerr, Atlas, and Ball. Also some Drey, which I never heard of, and an “Osterizer Blend and Store” half-pint jar with original lid, in perfect condition. But I’m writing to ask about the blue Ball jars, of which I have pints, quarts, and a couple of half-gallons (all blue). ONE of the jars appears to be what is called the “three-L” Ball, it’s a shoulder seal, not a bead seal, so it’s probably circa 1910 or so. It’s empty but has an original zinc lid/rubber seal combo on top, I’m not going to try to pry it open. It’s a pale blue-green color, lighter than the blue canning jars we’re used to seeing. The script saying “Ball” is shaky-looking, like a drunk made the mold (!), and underneath is only the word “MASON”, with the “A” sitting about 3/8-inch lower than the other four letters. There are no markings or numbers on the bottom of the jar, other than the valve mark, which is about one inch in diameter and a bit off-center. Side seams are rather pronounced. Also, it doesn’t sit properly on a level surface, it rocks a little from side to side due to one of the side seams protruding slightly from the bottom. Can you give me any idea as to the collectability or value of this particular jar? Would appreciate any response, as I’m not a collector, and my only information to date has been through info from the Internet (like yours!). Thanks in advance! Max Grudzinski, Winterset, Iowa.

Comments on: Ball Canning Jars

By: Cecil Stoner

By: Ms. Max Grudzinski