Cookie Jar Collecting

The average person thinking of cookie jars does not think “glass.” Rather we’ve become accustom to pottery.

However, the original jars used for biscuits and cookies were made in glass, the American ones bearing metal screw on lids.

These first US jars have cylinder shapes, and were often hand-painted with designs from nature like flowers. Any items found like this predate 1930, which is when stoneware became the popular cookie jar material.

Don’t let the date dissuade you. There are still plenty of glass cookie jars to be found out there, in all price ranges. A few items for which to keep your eyes open:

• Mayfair glass jadeite green cookie jar
• Glass animals (like a rooster) often in frosted glass (1940s-50s)
• Ruby red biscuit jar
• Amber or green depression glass cookie jar
• Yellow glass beehive style cookie and candy jar
• Mayfair pink depression glass cookie jar
• Fruit shape (like pineapple) – the opaque style dates around 1950 (may be decorated glass)
• Anchor Hocking pumpkin cookie jar
• Bartlett-Collins (decorated glass manufacturer including theme jars such as Dutch Children)
• Milk glass cookie jars
• Victorian art glass (red, blue) cracker/cookie jar
• Hazel Atlas clear cookie jar
• Federal Glass pink jar
• Imperial Glass (OH) sometimes with bamboo handle
• Mr. Peanut jar
• Biscuit “barrel” style jars

As you shop, remember that you want a jar that has the best possible condition for your dollar.

Chips and cracks decrease the long-term value of any piece unless it’s very, very desired or rare.

Also original lids are a huge boon. Keep these safe and make sure you have the right lid on the right jar to maintain your investment (and increase it over the years).

You’ll have a great time collecting these vintage glass cookie jars!