Vintage Mason Jar Value Guide: Find Your Jar's Worth (2024)
Discover what makes old Mason jars valuable, how to identify rare specimens, and the current market prices for antique canning jars in this complete guide.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated June 29, 2024
Whether discovered in your grandmother’s cellar or spotted at a local estate sale, vintage Mason jars carry both practical and historical significance that has made them increasingly desirable to collectors. These utilitarian glass vessels, originally designed for home food preservation, have transformed into sought-after collectibles that can command impressive prices.
Antique Ball Mason jars from the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be worth significant money to collectors
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of antique Mason jars, what makes them valuable, how to identify different types, and what collectors are currently paying for these nostalgic pieces of American history.
Understanding the Value of Old Mason Jars
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<span>What Makes Old Mason Jars Valuable?</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Several factors influence the value of vintage Mason jars, from age and rarity to condition and distinctive features. Understanding these elements is key to determining if your old jar is worth a few dollars or a small fortune.</div>
Most common Mason jars are worth between $2 to $20, but rare specimens can command prices upwards of several hundred or even a thousand dollars. The key factors that influence value include:
Key Value Factors for Antique Mason Jars
Age: Generally, the older the jar, the more valuable it is. Mason jars from the 1800s and early 1900s typically command higher prices than more recent examples.
Rarity: Limited production runs, uncommon colors, or manufacturing errors can significantly increase a jar’s value to collectors.
Color: Clear and aqua jars are common and less valuable, while amber, green, and certain shades of blue (particularly cobalt blue) can be worth substantially more.
Condition: Jars without cracks, chips, or significant cloudiness are more desirable. Original closures and rubber seals further enhance value.
Embossing and Markings: Unique or unusual embossing, particularly on older jars, can increase collector interest and value.
Brand: While Ball and Mason are well-known names, jars from less common manufacturers like Atlas, Drey, and Lamb often command premium prices.
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<span>History of Mason Jars</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Understanding the historical context behind these practical kitchen items helps collectors properly date and value them.</div>
Evolution of Mason Jars
1858
The Birth of the Mason Jar
John Landis Mason patented the first glass jar with a threaded neck and screw-on zinc lid, revolutionizing home food preservation.
1880s
Ball Brothers Enter the Market
The Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company began producing canning jars, eventually becoming the most recognizable name in the industry.
1900-1910
Colored Glass Era
During this period, many jars were produced in distinctive blue and green colors due to natural minerals in the glass. Today, these colored jars are among the most collectible.
1910-1923
Transition Period
Ball jars shifted from hand-blown to machine-made production, with changes in logo designs and embossing styles that help date jars.
1933-1960s
Modern Production Era
Mass production techniques standardized jar designs, with clear glass becoming the norm. Special edition jars were occasionally released.
1970s-Present
Resurgence in Collecting
Interest in vintage Mason jars as collectibles grew, with certain rare examples achieving significant values at auction.
Identifying Valuable Mason Jars
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<span>How to Date Your Vintage Mason Jars</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">Dating your Mason jar is the first step in determining its value. Manufacturers changed their logos, embossing patterns, and jar features over time, providing helpful clues for identification.</div>
Ball Mason Jar Identification
Ball jars are among the most common and collected Mason jars. The Ball logo went through several evolutions that help narrow down manufacturing dates:
1960-Present: Modern logo variations with less ornate styling.
Special Embossing and Phrases
Look for embossed phrases on your Mason jar to help with dating:
“Perfect Mason” (1913-1922)
“Improved” (1890s-1900s)
“Special” (1900-1910)
“Ideal” (1915-1920)
“Eclipse” (1900-1926)
“Square” (indicates square-shaped jars)
“Mason’s Patent Nov 30th 1858” (appears on many jars, regardless of actual manufacturing date)
These phrases were used during specific periods and can help narrow down the age of your jar.
Mason Jar Authentication Checklist
Use this checklist to help verify the authenticity and age of your vintage Mason jar
Check for pontil marks (rough circular scars) on the bottom of very old jars
Look for bubbles in the glass, indicating hand-blown production (pre-1910s)
Examine for mold seams that stop at the neck (older) or continue to the lip (newer)
Verify embossing style matches known patterns for the manufacturer and era
Inspect for consistent color throughout (artificially colored reproductions often have uneven coloration)
Check for ground glass rim (common in very early jars)
Verify the weight feels appropriate (reproductions are often lighter)
Rare and Valuable Mason Jar Types
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<span>Most Valuable Antique Mason Jars</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">While most vintage Mason jars have modest values, certain rare examples can be worth substantial sums. Understanding what makes these jars special can help you spot valuable treasures.</div>
Color Variations
The color of a Mason jar significantly impacts its value:
Clear/Aqua: Most common and typically least valuable ($2-$20)
Light Blue/Aqua Blue: Common but more collectible ($10-$30)
Cobalt Blue: Rare and highly sought-after ($100-$1000+)
Amber/Yellow: Uncommon and valuable ($40-$200)
Green: Relatively rare, particularly in deeper shades ($30-$300)
Black/Very Dark Amber: Extremely rare ($300-$1000+)
Purple/Amethyst: Rare and highly prized ($200-$500+)
Red: Exceptionally rare ($1000+)
Valuable Mason Jar Examples
Current market values based on recent sales (2024)
Category
Price
Notes
Cobalt Blue Ball Perfect Mason
$200-$400
Half-gallon size, 1910-1923
Ball's Special Mason (Upside-Down)
$500-$1,000
Manufacturing error with inverted text
Amber Maltese Cross Mason
$300-$600
Rare design with Maltese cross embossing
Van Vliet Improved Jar
$700-$1,200
Rare 1890s variation with unique closure
Black Amber Magic Star
$800-$1,500
Very dark glass with distinctive star pattern
Ball #13 Blue Mason
$800-$2,000
Rare due to superstitious producers
Red Book Mason Jar
$1,000-$2,500
Extremely rare color variant
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Rare Manufacturer Variations
Beyond Ball jars, collectors seek out Mason jars from several other manufacturers:
Atlas Mason Jars: Produced by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, these jars can range from common clear versions ($5-$10) to valuable colored specimens ($30-$50 or more). The Atlas “E-Z Seal” jars with glass lids and wire bails are particularly collectible.
Drey Mason Jars: Produced in the early 1900s before being acquired by Ball, Drey jars typically sell for $10-$40 depending on condition and features.
Lamb Mason Jars: Early examples from the 1850s-1860s are rare and highly valuable, often worth $100-$300 or more.
Hero Fruit Jars: Distinctive cross-design jars from the 1880s-1890s, worth $40-$150 depending on condition.
Globe Jars: Produced in the late 1800s, these can be worth $20-$100 depending on style and condition.
Chief Mason Jars: Uncommon jars with values typically between $30-$80.
Manufacturing Errors and Oddities
Jars with manufacturing errors often command premium prices:
Upside-down text: Ball’s Special Mason jars with inverted text ($500-$1000)
Misspelled words: Rare examples with typos in the embossing
Double embossing: Jars with overlapping or double-stamped text
Unusual closures: Non-standard lid mechanisms or experimental designs
Colored lids: Original zinc lids with unusual interior colors
Current Market Values and Price Trends
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<span>Mason Jar Market Trends and Values</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">The market for vintage Mason jars has evolved over time, with values fluctuating based on collector interest, design trends, and overall availability.</div>
Common Mason Jar Values
Most vintage Mason jars fall into these general price categories:
Common clear/aqua Ball, Atlas, and Kerr jars (1930s-1950s): $2-$15
Jars with original closures/zinc lids: Add $5-$15 to base value
Colored jars (except very rare colors): $15-$75
Half-gallon and gallon sizes: Generally 20-40% more than quart sizes
Where to Buy and Sell Vintage Mason Jars
The market for vintage Mason jars continues to thrive in various venues:
Online Marketplaces: eBay and Etsy remain popular platforms for buying and selling, with prices generally ranging from $5 for common jars to $100+ for rarer examples.
Antique Stores and Malls: Brick-and-mortar shops typically price Mason jars between $10-$50, sometimes higher for exceptional examples.
Estate Sales and Auctions: Often the best source for finding undervalued jars, with prices varying widely based on local knowledge.
Specialty Collector Forums: Dedicated collectors often pay premium prices for specific jars they need to complete collections.
Flea Markets: Prices typically range from $2-$30 depending on the seller’s knowledge and the jar’s attributes.
Recent Auction Sales of Rare Mason Jars
Notable auction results from 2023-2024
Item
Price
Date
Auction House
Cobalt Blue Ball Perfect Mason (Half-Gallon)
$385
February 2024
eBay
Amber Ball Mason with Original Lid
$275
January 2024
Heritage Auctions
Green Atlas E-Z Seal (Quart)
$145
March 2024
eBay
Ball #13 Blue Perfect Mason
$950
November 2023
Specialized Glass Auction
Upside-Down Ball's Special Mason
$780
December 2023
Glass Bottle Collector's Auction
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Authenticating and Assessing Condition
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<span>Condition Assessment for Mason Jars</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">The condition of a vintage Mason jar significantly impacts its value. Understanding how to properly evaluate condition will help you determine appropriate values.</div>
Condition Rating Scale
When evaluating Mason jars, collectors typically use these condition categories:
Mint (95-100%): No damage, original closure, minimal wear, retains original luster
Excellent (85-95%): Minor wear, complete with original closure, no damage
Very Good (75-85%): Light wear, may have minor scratches, original closure preferred
Good (60-75%): Noticeable wear, may have light scratches, lid may not be original
Fair (40-60%): Significant wear, surface scratches, possible minor chips
Poor (below 40%): Heavy wear, chips, cracks or severe damage
Common Condition Issues
Be aware of these specific condition problems that affect Mason jar values:
Cracks: Even hairline cracks can reduce value by 50-75%
Chips: Particularly around the rim, can reduce value by 30-60%
Internal haze/staining: Light staining reduces value by 10-20%, heavy staining by 40-50%
Weak embossing: Faint or partially missing embossing reduces value by 15-30%
Incorrect lids: Non-original closures reduce value by 10-25%
Artificial coloration: Jars with non-original coloring have minimal collector value
Tips for Proper Storage and Display
To maintain the condition and value of your vintage Mason jars:
Store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations that can stress the glass
Clean gently with warm water and mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals
Display on sturdy shelving with adequate support for heavier jars
Handle by the body, not by the neck or threads, to prevent stress fractures
When stacking, place soft material between jars to prevent scratches
FAQ About Old Mason Jar Values
Common Questions About Antique Mason Jars
Are old Mason jars worth money?
Yes, old Mason jars can be worth money, though values vary dramatically. While most common vintage Mason jars sell for $2-$20, certain rare examples can fetch upwards of a thousand dollars.
Factors that increase value include:
Unusual colors (especially cobalt blue, amber, green, or purple)
Very old manufacturing dates (1858-1910)
Rare manufacturer brands
Manufacturing errors or unusual features
Excellent condition with original closures
If you have a potentially valuable jar, consider having it professionally appraised, especially if it has unusual colors or markings.
How do you tell the age of a mason jar?
You can determine the age of a Mason jar by examining several key features:
Logo Design: The Ball logo, for example, changed several times between 1885 and the present day.
Embossed Text: Phrases like "improved," "special," "perfect," "ideal," or "square" were used during specific time periods.
Manufacturing Marks: Look for pontil marks on the bottom (indicating very old jars) or mold seams that stop at the neck (pre-1920) versus continuing to the top (after 1920).
Glass Color: Clear glass became standard after the 1920s, while aqua and blue tints were common in earlier jars.
Base Markings: Numbers or symbols on the jar bottom can identify specific factories and production periods.
Closure Type: Wire bail closures, zinc lids, or other sealing mechanisms can help date the jar.
Consulting a Mason jar identification guide or online resource with dated examples can help you compare your jar to known specimens.
Why are #13 Mason jars rare?
Mason jars marked with the number 13 are considered rare because of a persistent legend in the collecting community. Some believe that moonshiners, who were a superstitious group, would destroy any jars marked with the unlucky number 13 when using them to store their illegal spirits.
While this story adds charm to the collecting narrative, most experts now consider it largely folklore. The more likely explanation is that some glass manufacturers may have produced fewer jars with the number 13 due to general superstition, or the number was used for a shorter production run.
Regardless of the reason, authenticated Ball jars with a distinct #13 mold number are indeed uncommon and can sell for $800-$2,000 depending on condition, color, and provenance.
How do you identify antique Mason jars?
Identifying antique Mason jars involves examining several distinguishing features:
Brand Names: Look for embossed names like Ball, Mason, Atlas, Kerr, Drey, or rarer manufacturers like Lamb, Globe, or Hero.
Embossed Phrases: Check for terms like "Mason’s Patent Nov 30th 1858" (which appears on many jars regardless of actual manufacturing date), "Perfect," "Improved," "Special," or "Ideal."
Glass Color: Authentic antique jars may be clear, aqua blue, green, amber, or rarely, deeper colors like cobalt blue or black.
Manufacturing Characteristics: Look for bubbles in the glass, uneven thickness, pontil marks on the bottom, or rough mold seams.
Closure Types: Early jars used wire bails, zinc lids, or unique patented closures before standard two-piece lids became common.
Base Markings: Numbers, symbols, or letters on the jar bottom can help identify the manufacturer and production facility.
The presence of multiple identifying features helps authenticate a jar as truly antique versus a modern reproduction.
Collecting Vintage Mason Jars
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<span>Starting a Mason Jar Collection</span>
</h2>
<div class="section-header__body">For those interested in beginning a collection, it helps to understand collecting strategies, themes, and how to build a valuable assortment over time.</div>
Collection Themes
Many collectors focus their Mason jar collections around specific themes:
Manufacturer Focus: Collecting examples from a single manufacturer like Ball, Atlas, or Kerr
Color Collections: Focusing on assembling jars in different colors
Era-Specific: Concentrating on jars from a particular time period, such as pre-1900
Size Variations: Collecting different sizes from half-pint to half-gallon
Closure Types: Focusing on different sealing mechanisms and lid designs
Embossing Variations: Collecting jars with different embossed text patterns
Regional Production: Jars made at specific glass factories or in certain regions
Tips for New Collectors
If you’re just starting to collect vintage Mason jars:
Start with knowledge: Invest in reference books or online resources before spending on jars
Begin affordable: Focus initially on common but authentic vintage jars to learn the market
Inspect thoroughly: Always check for damage, especially hairline cracks that may be hard to see
Build relationships: Connect with established collectors through forums or collecting groups
Document provenance: Keep records of where and when you acquired each jar
Focus your collection: Specialize in a specific aspect rather than collecting randomly
Attend shows and auctions: In-person events provide education and networking opportunities
Vintage Mason jars represent a fascinating blend of everyday utility and American industrial history. From the earliest examples patented by John Landis Mason in 1858 to the colorful specimens of the early 20th century, these glass vessels tell the story of home preservation, manufacturing innovation, and changing domestic practices.
For collectors, the hunt for rare colors, unusual embossing, or manufacturer variations adds to the excitement of the hobby. While most vintage Mason jars remain affordable at $5-$30, the possibility of discovering a rare example worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars keeps the market vibrant.
Whether you’re a serious collector building a curated assemblage or simply appreciate the aesthetic and historical value of these functional antiques, understanding what makes old Mason jars valuable enhances the experience of owning these pieces of American heritage.
Remember that proper identification, authentication, and condition assessment are crucial steps in determining the true value of your vintage Mason jars. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the collecting market and appreciate the humble yet significant Mason jar as both a practical innovation and a collectible treasure.
