Ball FAQ's

 

Why does it say "Mason" on many of Ball's canning jars?
In the mid-1800s, John Mason invented the screw-top closure - which includes the glass "threads" and lip at the mouth of a jar - that is common on glass containers today. He patented his design in 1858, which is why many Ball jars read "Mason Patent 1858." Ball bought Mason's patent in the late 1800s, and included his name on its jars to signify that the jars used the then-unique Mason design. As result, home canning jars today are almost universally referred to as Ball or Mason jars.

 

How can I determine the exact age of an old Ball jar?
It is very difficult to date a Ball jar without the help of an expert. Ball first manufactured home canning jars in 1884. Since then, many records have been lost to fire or simply to the passage of time. Ball Corporation regularly consults several knowledgeable collectors about jars donated to the company's products exhibit. One helpful hint: if your jar contains "grippers" - vertical lines on its side that allow a firmer grip on the jar - then it was made after 1930. Ball added grippers to its jars around 1930-1932. But even this rule has a catch: commemorative jars made after 1930 are often designed to look as if they were manufactured before 1930, and don't include grippers. Your best bet is to visit your local library and see if it contains a book on jar collecting.

 

How much is an old Ball jar worth?
As much as a collector is willing to pay for it. The value of an antique jar, much like the value of a painting, is determined by the market. Ball does not put a price on its collectible jars. Probably the best way to determine what your jar may be worth is to contact a jar collector and ask for an opinion.

 

Does Ball still make rubber seals for the older zinc caps?
No. Ball improved its closures and eliminated the need for old zinc closure caps or the rubber seal. Occasionally you may run across an old box of rubber seals, but they are becoming very scarce.