Introduction to the Number 13 Ball Mason Jar
The Number 13 Ball Mason jar is among the most sought-after pieces in the world of vintage canning jar collecting. These distinctive blue glass jars, marked with the number “13” on the bottom, have developed something of a mystique among collectors, with values often substantially higher than other vintage Ball Mason jars.
For both seasoned collectors and those who’ve just discovered an old jar in their grandmother’s attic, understanding the value of these specific jars can be challenging. Prices vary widely depending on several key factors, including condition, color, and provenance. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the value and history of the Number 13 Ball Mason jar.
History of the Number 13 Ball Mason Jar
Ball Mason jars with the number 13 were produced primarily between 1923 and 1933 by the Ball Corporation. During this era, the Ball Corporation used mold numbers on the bottom of their jars to track production and identify which mold was used to create each jar.
Popular folklore suggests that due to superstition surrounding the number 13, many of these jars were destroyed or never purchased, making them rarer today. While manufacturers and historians dispute this claim, the legend persists and has contributed to their mystique and elevated value among collectors.
The Evolution of Ball Mason Jars
- 1880s
Early Ball Jars
Ball brothers begin producing glass canning jars; early versions had wire closures - 1910-1923
Ball Blue Glass Period
Distinctive blue-aqua colored glass becomes signature of Ball jars - 1923-1933
Number 13 Era
Production of jars with mold number 13 on the bottom; most sought-after by collectors today - 1930s-1940s
Transition to Clear Glass
Ball gradually shifts from blue glass to clear glass for canning jars - 1960s-Present
Modern Collecting Era
Vintage Ball jars, especially blue Number 13 models, become highly collectible
The distinctive “Perfect Mason” embossing on these jars refers to the type of closure system used, which created a more reliable seal than previous designs. This innovation helped revolutionize home food preservation in the early 20th century.
Current Market Value of Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
The value of a Number 13 Ball Mason jar depends primarily on condition, color, and whether it has original components. Based on current market trends and recent sales, here are the general value ranges:
Number 13 Ball Mason Jar Value Guide
Current market values as of 2023
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It’s important to note that particularly rare examples or those with provenance connecting them to historical events can command significantly higher prices. Savvy collectors should also be aware that reproductions exist in the market.
Number 13 Ball Mason Jar Market Statistics
Some recent auction results provide additional context for understanding the current market:
Recent Number 13 Ball Mason Jar Sales
Notable auction and online marketplace sales
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason (Mint condition) | $100-$150 | Excellent condition, no chips or cracks |
| Blue Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason with original lid | $150-$200 | Original zinc lid and glass liner intact |
| Blue Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason (Rare variations) | $200-$400 | Unusual colors or manufacturing quirks |
| Clear Glass Number 13 Ball Mason Jar | $30-$75 | Less desirable than blue versions |
| Damaged Number 13 Ball Mason Jar | $10-$30 | With chips, cracks or significant wear |
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According to a thread on TreasureNet forums, some vendors have listed these jars for as much as $399 as “buy it now” prices, though actual selling prices typically range lower.
How to Identify an Authentic Number 13 Ball Mason Jar
Genuine Number 13 Ball Mason jars have several distinctive features that help authenticate them:
Number 13 Ball Mason Jar Authentication Checklist
Verify these features to confirm if your jar is an authentic Number 13 Ball Mason jar
- 'Ball Perfect Mason' embossing on the front
- Number '13' clearly visible on the jar bottom
- Distinctive aqua blue color (most valuable versions)
- Seam lines consistent with 1920s-1930s production methods
- Appropriate signs of age and wear for a 90+ year old item
- Authentic mold markings consistent with Ball manufacturing
- Proper weight and glass thickness for the era
Be wary of modern reproductions that have been artificially aged or tinted to appear vintage. A true Number 13 Ball jar will typically have some bubbles in the glass and slight imperfections characteristic of manufacturing methods from that era.
Factors That Affect The Value of Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
When assessing the value of a Number 13 Ball Mason jar, consider these crucial factors:
Condition - Mint condition jars free of chips, cracks, and scratches command premium prices. Even minor damage can significantly decrease value.
Color - The blue aqua color is most desirable, with deeper, more vibrant blue hues generally worth more. Clear glass versions, while still collectible, typically fetch lower prices.
Original Components - Jars with original zinc lids and glass liners intact are worth considerably more than those without.
Clarity and Glass Quality - Glass quality, clarity, and the presence of bubbles or manufacturing quirks can either add to or detract from value, depending on collector preferences.
Embossing Quality - Crisp, clear embossing of the “Ball Perfect Mason” mark increases value.
The condition grading scale for Ball Mason jars typically follows these categories:
Condition Grading Scale for Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
How condition affects overall value
| Item | Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason with Original Lid | $175 | April 2023 | eBay |
| Pristine Blue Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason | $145 | March 2023 | Antique Glass Auction |
| Lot of Three Number 13 Ball Mason Jars (Mixed Condition) | $285 | February 2023 | Estate Sale |
| Rare Deep Blue Number 13 Ball Mason Jar | $399 | January 2023 | Specialty Glass Auction |
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Where to Buy and Sell Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or sell a Number 13 Ball Mason jar, these platforms offer good opportunities:
Online Marketplaces
- eBay: The largest marketplace for antique jars with regular Number 13 jar listings
- Etsy: Features many vintage sellers specializing in antique glassware
- Ruby Lane: Higher-end antiques marketplace with vetted sellers
Specialized Venues
- Antique shows and fairs
- Bottle and jar collector conventions
- Estate sales, particularly in regions where home canning was popular
Auction Houses
- Look for auction houses that specialize in Americana or household antiques
- Some regional auction houses may handle larger collections of vintage jars
When selling, proper documentation of a jar’s condition, photographs from multiple angles (especially of the number 13 on the bottom), and any known provenance can help maximize its value.
Where to Learn More About Vintage Mason Jars
Ball Mason Jar on eBay
Browse current listings of Number 13 Ball Mason jars to gauge current market prices and availability.
JustAnswer: Number 13 Ball Mason Jar Valuation
Expert assessment of Number 13 Ball Mason jar values from antique specialists.
Lucky 13 Ball Jars on YouTube
Video guide on how to identify and date Ball jars, with specific information about the Number 13 varieties.
Number 13 Mason Jars on Etsy
Explore a marketplace of Number 13 Mason jars from various sellers, with detailed descriptions and photographs.
TreasureNet Forum: Mason Jar Discussion
Collector discussions about the Number 13 Ball Mason jars and debates about their history and value.
Tips for Collecting Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
If you’re venturing into collecting these vintage treasures, keep these expert tips in mind:
Start with Education: Learn to distinguish genuine Number 13 jars from regular Ball jars and reproductions. Resources like collector guides and YouTube videos can be invaluable.
Inspect Before Buying: Always examine jars carefully for damage, especially hairline cracks that may be difficult to see in photos when buying online.
Check the Embossing: Authentic Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason jars have clear, distinctive embossing. The number 13 on the bottom should be clearly legible.
Consider Complete Sets: Jars with original lids, particularly zinc lids with glass liners, are more valuable as complete items.
Look Beyond eBay: While eBay is a common source, estate sales, antique stores in rural areas, and regional auctions can yield finds at better prices.
Connect with Other Collectors: Join forums and collecting groups where you can share knowledge and potentially arrange private purchases or trades.
Be Patient: Building a quality collection takes time. Don’t rush into purchases, especially for higher-priced examples.
Document Your Collection: Keep records of where and when you acquired each jar, along with any known history, which can add to their value over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Number 13 Ball Mason Jars
Why are Number 13 Ball Mason jars valuable?
Number 13 Ball Mason jars are valuable primarily due to their relative scarcity and collector interest. Popular folklore suggests that many of these jars were destroyed due to superstition around the number 13, making them rarer today. While historians debate this claim, the story has contributed to their mystique and elevated value.
The distinctive blue aqua color of many Number 13 jars also adds to their appeal, as Ball’s blue glass jars are generally more sought after by collectors than clear glass versions. Jars with original components, particularly the zinc lids with glass liners, are especially valuable.
How can I tell if my Ball Mason jar is valuable?
To determine if your Ball Mason jar is valuable, check for these key features:
- Look for the number on the bottom - Number 13 jars are particularly valuable
- Check the color - Blue or aqua-colored jars typically command higher prices than clear glass
- Examine the embossing - "Ball Perfect Mason" is a common valuable style
- Assess the closure type - Jars with original zinc lids and glass liners are worth more
- Consider the condition - Mint condition jars without chips or cracks are most valuable
- Look for unusual features - Rare colors, manufacturing errors, or unique mold characteristics can increase value
According to collector forums, Number 13 Ball jars in good condition regularly sell for $40-80, with exceptional examples fetching over $100.
What is the history behind the Number 13 Ball Mason jar?
The Number 13 Ball Mason jars were produced primarily between 1923 and 1933. During this period, the Ball Corporation used mold numbers on the bottom of their jars to track production and identify specific molds. The number 13 simply indicated which mold was used to create that particular jar.Popular folklore suggests that due to superstition surrounding the number 13, many of these jars were destroyed or never purchased, making them rarer today. While glass manufacturing historians dispute this claim as an exaggeration, the legend persists and has contributed to their collectible status.
These jars were part of Ball’s "Perfect Mason" line, which featured improved sealing technology that made home canning more reliable during a time when food preservation was essential for many American households.
Which blue Mason jars are the most valuable?
Among blue Mason jars, these varieties tend to command the highest prices:
- Number 13 Ball Perfect Mason jars in blue glass (especially deeper blue shades)
- Rare color variations like purple or amber Ball jars
- Early Ball Mason jars from the 1880s-1890s with wire bail closures
- "Upside-down Ball" jars with manufacturing errors
- Ball Mason shoulder seal jars from the early 1900s
The value of blue Mason jars is significantly affected by condition, color intensity, and whether they retain original closures. According to antique glass experts, a mint condition blue Number 13 Ball jar with original zinc lid and glass liner can sell for $150-200, while rare color variations in perfect condition have sold for over $400 at specialized glass auctions.
Are reproduction Number 13 Ball Mason jars common?
Yes, reproduction Number 13 Ball Mason jars do exist in the marketplace, though they're not as common as reproductions of other antique jar styles. Modern reproductions became more prevalent as the value and collector interest in authentic Number 13 jars increased.To distinguish reproductions from authentic vintage jars:
- Examine the glass quality - authentic old jars often have bubbles, slight imperfections, and a different weight
- Check the color - reproductions often have a more uniform color that doesn’t match the authentic aqua-blue of original Ball jars
- Look for wear patterns - authentic jars typically show appropriate age-related wear on the base and threads
- Check the embossing - reproductions may have sharper or different embossing patterns than originals
When buying, purchase from reputable dealers who specialize in antique bottles and jars, and ask for detailed photos of the jar bottom showing the number 13 marking.
What should I do if I find a Number 13 Ball Mason jar?
If you find a Number 13 Ball Mason jar, here are the steps you should take:
- Handle with care - These are fragile collectibles that can lose significant value if damaged
- Document its condition - Take clear photographs of all sides, the bottom (showing the number 13), and any damage
- Research its features - Note the color, embossing style, and whether it has original closures
- Consider authentication - For potentially valuable examples, consider having it evaluated by an antique glass expert
- Decide whether to keep or sell - If selling, research current market values by checking recent sales of similar jars
If you decide to keep it, store it away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading, and consider displaying it in a way that protects it from accidental damage while showing its distinctive features.
Conclusion: Is a Number 13 Ball Mason Jar a Worthy Investment?
The Number 13 Ball Mason jar represents a fascinating intersection of American manufacturing history, home canning culture, and collecting folklore. While values typically range from $30 to $200 depending on condition, color, and components, these jars offer more than just monetary value—they provide a tangible connection to America’s past.
For collectors, the Number 13 Ball Mason jar remains an accessible entry point into antique glass collecting. Unlike some antiques that command thousands of dollars, most Number 13 jars can be acquired for reasonable sums, making them appealing to both serious collectors and casual enthusiasts.
Whether you’ve discovered one in a family collection or are considering adding one to your display cabinet, the Number 13 Ball Mason jar carries with it a rich history and the mystique of its supposedly “unlucky” number—which, ironically, has made these jars quite lucky indeed for those who possess them.
Remember that condition is paramount in determining value, and authentication is important when making significant purchases. By understanding what makes these jars special and following the guidelines in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to assess the true value of a Number 13 Ball Mason jar in today’s collector market.
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| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | 100% Value | No chips, cracks, or wear; original components intact |
| Near Mint | 80-95% Value | Very slight wear; all components present |
| Excellent | 60-80% Value | Minor wear; possibly missing lid but otherwise intact |
| Good | 40-60% Value | Some visible wear; may have minor chips |
| Fair | 20-40% Value | Significant wear, chips, or damage; still collectible |
| Poor | 5-20% Value | Major damage; primarily of interest to casual collectors |