Old Mason Jars Value Guide: Identify Rare Antique Canning Jars Worth Money
Discover the value of old Mason jars with our comprehensive guide. Learn to identify rare jars worth hundreds, dating techniques, and where to sell your vintage collection.
By Appraisily TeamLast updated October 25, 2023
Have you discovered some old Mason jars in your grandparent’s basement or at a garage sale and wondered if they might be worth something? While most vintage Mason jars sell for under $15, certain rare specimens can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These utilitarian glass vessels, initially designed for home food preservation in the 1800s, have become highly collectible antiques with a passionate following.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to identify valuable antique Mason jars, decode their markings, understand valuation factors, and learn where to sell these nostalgic treasures. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just curious about that blue jar in your attic, this article will help you determine if you’ve struck glass gold.
Understanding Mason Jar History
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<span>The Origins of Mason Jars</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Before diving into valuation, understanding the rich history of Mason jars provides crucial context for collectors and sellers alike.</div>
Mason jars revolutionized home food preservation when John Landis Mason patented his threaded screw-top jars in 1858. His invention – a glass container with a threaded neck and metal screw-on lid creating an airtight seal – transformed home canning. The Mason patent expired in 1879, opening the market to numerous manufacturers.
In 1884, the Ball brothers began producing glass jars in Buffalo, New York, eventually relocating to Muncie, Indiana. Ball quickly became the dominant producer of Mason jars in America. Other significant manufacturers included Atlas, Kerr, Knox, and Hazel-Atlas, each with distinctive styles that collectors now seek.
Evolution of Mason Jar Production
1858
Mason's Patent
John Landis Mason patents the threaded screw-top glass jar design.
1884
Ball Enters the Market
The Ball brothers begin manufacturing glass jars in Buffalo, NY.
1886
Ball Relocates
Ball brothers move production to Muncie, Indiana, which becomes known as "Jar City."
1904
Atlas Glass Company
Atlas Glass Company forms, becoming a major competitor in the Mason jar market.
1940s
Modern Design Changes
Manufacturing processes standardize, making pre-1940s jars more distinctive and collectible.
How to Date Vintage Mason Jars
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<span>Dating Your Antique Jars</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">The age of a Mason jar is one of the primary factors in determining its value. Learn to recognize key features that help date your vintage jars.</div>
One of the most reliable methods for dating Mason jars is examining the logo or brand mark. For Ball jars, the style of the “Ball” logo changed several times throughout the company’s history, making it a useful dating tool:
1885-1886: “Ball” with underscore and contained in a bracket
1888-1894: Simple “Ball” with underscore
1895-1896: “Ball” with dropped “a”
1896-1910: “Ball PERFECT MASON” with straight, uppercase letters
1910-1923: “Ball PERFECT MASON” with looped “B”
1923-1933: “Ball” with 3-L style logo (most common vintage jars)
1933-1962: “Ball” in script without underscore
For Atlas jars, look for these identifying features:
1896-1930s: “ATLAS” in raised lettering
1920s-1950s: “ATLAS E-Z SEAL” jars
1904-1930s: “ATLAS STRONG SHOULDER” jars (rare and more valuable)
1930s-1964: “Hazel-Atlas” mark (an H with an A inside)
Dating Features to Look For
Mold Numbers and Base Markings
Look for numbers and symbols on the bottom of your jar. These are mold numbers that identify the position the mold held on the glassmaking machine, not date codes. However, they can help with identification when combined with other features.
According to Minnetrista, the cultural center in Muncie, Indiana that houses the Ball Corporation archives: “Most machines would have from eight to ten molds, all making the same type of jar.” While not directly indicating age, certain number patterns appear only during specific production periods.
Closure Types
The closure or sealing mechanism provides excellent dating clues:
1858-1910s: Zinc lid with glass liner (earliest type)
1869-1915: “MASON’S PATENT NOV 30TH 1858” embossing (very common)
1900-1910: Lightning-style wire closures
1915-present: Two-piece metal lid and ring system
Most Valuable Mason Jars to Look For
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<span>High-Value Mason Jar Varieties</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">While most vintage Mason jars have modest value, certain rare types can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to serious collectors.</div>
Colored Glass Jars
Color is often the most significant value factor for antique Mason jars. While clear and aqua blue (the natural result of iron impurities in the glass) are most common, these rare colors command premium prices:
Value by Glass Color
Current market values for colored Mason jars
Category
Price
Notes
Amber/Yellow
$100-$500
Uncommon color from 1910-1920s
Olive Green
$300-$800
Very rare, especially in quart size
Black Amethyst
$400-$1,000+
Extremely rare, deep purple appearance
Cobalt Blue
$500-$2,500+
Highly sought after, produced for short period
Red
$1,000-$3,000+
Exceptionally rare color
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According to a Country Living Magazine article, certain exceptionally rare colored Mason jars have sold for up to $500 individually, with the jar’s color being the primary value driver.
Rare Closure Types
Some unusual closure mechanisms can significantly increase a jar’s value:
Glass-lidded wire bails: The E-Z Seal jars with intact original glass lids can fetch $30-$60
Cork-sealed jars: Very early examples with original cork closures ($150-$200)
Unusual wire closures: Particularly Lightning-style closures in perfect condition
Wooden stopple tops: As noted by Country Living, these rare wooden stopples (lids) can be worth up to $500 on their own!
Embossing and Manufacturing Errors
Manufacturing oddities and unusual embossed patterns often attract premium collectors:
Upside-down embossing: Production errors where text appears upside-down
Misspelled text: Rare manufacturing errors showing misspelled words
Double embossing: Overlapping embossing patterns
Unusual product names: Special commemorative or limited production runs
Most Valuable Mason Jar: Van Vliet Improved
The most valuable Mason jar ever sold was a rare F.C. Van Vliet Improved jar that fetched $23,500 at auction. These extremely rare jars feature a unique internal screw threading and were produced in limited quantities in the 1880s.
Notable Mason Jar Auction Results
Recent high-value antique jar sales
Item
Price
Date
Auction House
F.C. Van Vliet Improved
$23,500
November 2020
American Bottle Auctions
Cobalt Blue Ball Perfect Mason
$3,800
October 2022
Glass Works Auctions
Black Amber Half-Gallon
$1,800
February 2023
eBay
Green Beaver Jar with Original Lid
$1,200
January 2023
Collector's Weekly
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Determining Mason Jar Value Factors
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<span>Value Assessment Criteria</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Multiple factors beyond age affect the value of antique Mason jars. Understanding these elements helps collectors make informed buying and selling decisions.</div>
Condition Assessment
Condition dramatically impacts value, with mint examples often worth 3-5 times more than damaged counterparts. Use this checklist to assess your jar’s condition:
Mason Jar Condition Assessment
Check applicable items to estimate your jar's condition
No chips, cracks, or fractures in the glass
Original closure or lid intact and functional
Sharp, clear embossing (not worn down)
No significant scratches or scuffs
Minimal or no cloudiness/whitish film
Even color distribution (no fading or discoloration)
Original paper label present (if applicable)
No repairs or restoration attempts
According to America’s Antique Mall, “While most glass jars aren’t worth more than a couple of dollars, certain antique jars can fetch upwards of a thousand dollars. A good rule of thumb is that if your jar is over 50 years old, it could be worth something, particularly if it’s in pristine condition.”
Production numbers: Limited runs of certain styles or colors greatly increase value
Regional variations: Jars produced only in specific regions may appeal to local collectors
Collector trends: Current collecting preferences can cause price fluctuations
Historical significance: Jars with connections to significant events or companies
Size and Practical Variations
Jar size affects collectibility and value:
Half-pint: Common and generally lower value unless in rare colors
Pint: Standard size, moderate value
Quart: Most common size, baseline value unless rare features present
Half-gallon: Less common, slightly higher baseline value
Gallon: Uncommon sizes often command premium prices
Unusual sizes: Non-standard capacities can be quite valuable
Atlas Mason Jar Values
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<span>Atlas Mason Jar Collectibility</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">While Ball jars receive most of the attention, Atlas produced distinctive jars that have their own collecting community and value profiles.</div>
The Atlas Glass Company (later Hazel-Atlas after merging with Hazel Glass Company in 1902) created distinctive Mason jars from 1896 until 1964. Most Atlas Mason jars sell for under $15, but several varieties are highly sought after:
Atlas E-Z Seal: These feature a distinctive wire bail closure with a glass lid. Clear examples typically sell for $8-$15, while rare amber Atlas E-Z Seal jars from 1910 can be worth $100-$200.
Atlas Strong Shoulder: These distinctive square-shouldered jars were designed to prevent tipping during the canning process. In clear glass, they typically sell for $10-$20, but rare colors can exceed $100.
Hazel-Atlas Fruit Jars: Produced after the company merger, these often feature an H-over-A maker’s mark on the base. Standard examples sell for $5-$15.
Atlas Mason Patent 1858: These feature the classic Mason patent date but were produced by Atlas. Values range from $8-$25 depending on condition.
Rare colors: Like Ball jars, unusual colored Atlas jars command significant premiums, especially in amber, green, or blue.
According to a recent Yahoo article, “Most Atlas Mason jars sell for under $15, but there are a few examples that can be worth much more. Keep an eye out for high-value styles and color combos.”
Ball Mason Jar Age Chart and Values
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<span>Ball Jar Dating & Valuation</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Ball jars are the most common and widely collected Mason jars. This chronological guide helps date and value your Ball jar collection.</div>
Taste of Home notes that “The oldest vintage Ball Mason jars from the 1800s and early 1900s can be valuable!” Use this timeline to help date your Ball jars:
Ball Mason Jar Value by Era
Approximate values based on typical examples in good condition
Category
Price
Notes
1885-1886 (Bracket & Underscore)
$75-$150+
Very rare, earliest Ball jars
1888-1894 (Simple Underscore)
$50-$100
Early period, relatively rare
1895-1896 (Dropped "a")
$40-$80
Short production window, distinctive
1896-1910 (Block Letters)
$20-$50
More common but still antique
1910-1923 (Looped B)
$15-$35
Distinctive loop on "B"
1923-1933 (3-L Style)
$8-$25
Very common vintage jars
1933-1962 (No Underscore)
$5-$15
Most common vintage Ball jars
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It’s important to note that these values represent common clear or aqua blue examples in good condition. Rare colors, perfect condition, or unusual features can multiply these base values significantly.
Where to Sell Valuable Mason Jars
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<span>Selling Your Vintage Jars</span>
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<div class="section-header__body">Once you’ve identified a potentially valuable jar, knowing where to sell can make a significant difference in realizing its full value.</div>
If you’ve discovered a potentially valuable Mason jar, consider these selling avenues:
Online Marketplaces:
eBay: Largest audience but higher fees
Etsy: Good for vintage items, attracts collectors
Facebook Marketplace: Local sales with no shipping
Ruby Lane: Specialized antique marketplace
Specialty Bottle and Jar Auction Houses:
Glass Works Auctions
North American Glass
American Bottle Auctions (for extremely rare examples)
Antique Stores and Malls:
Consignment options
Dealer booth rental
Direct sales to dealers
Collector Forums and Communities:
Antique Bottle Collectors Forum
Ball Jar Collectors Community (Facebook)
Bottle Collectors mailing lists
Antique Shows and Flea Markets:
Direct sales to collectors
Networking with dealers
Multiple sale opportunities
For truly exceptional specimens, professional appraisal before selling is recommended. The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, NY or the Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie, IN (home of the Ball Corporation archives) can provide expert assessment services.
Common Mason Jar Questions
Common Questions About Antique Mason Jars
How can you tell if old Mason jars are valuable?
To identify potentially valuable Mason jars, check for these key indicators:
Unusual colors like amber, green, or cobalt blue (most valuable)
Age indicators such as pontil marks, hand-finished tops, or older closure types
Rare manufacturer names or uncommon embossing patterns
Manufacturing errors or misspellings in the embossed text
Distinctive closure types, particularly intact wire bails with original glass lids
The style of the jar provides important clues. For example, the earliest E-Z Seal jars from 1910 are amber glass and among the most valuable. Clear vintage examples typically sell for around $20, while colored examples can fetch hundreds.
What do the numbers on the bottom of a mason jar mean?
The numbers on the bottom of Mason jars are mold numbers, not date codes. According to Minnetrista (the cultural center that houses the Ball Corporation archives): "These identify the position that the mold in which the jar was made held on the glassmaking machine. Most machines would have from eight to ten molds, all making the same type of jar."
While these numbers don’t directly indicate age, certain number patterns were only used during specific production periods, so they can help with identification when combined with other jar features. For accurate dating, examine the:
Logo style and embossing pattern
Closure type
Glass color and manufacturing technique
Overall jar design
What are the most valuable Ball Mason jars?
The most valuable Ball Mason jars include:
Colored Glass Jars: Particularly cobalt blue, amber, olive green, and black amethyst. These can range from $100 to $2,500+ depending on color, size, and condition.
Early Jars (pre-1900): The earliest Ball jars with the "BBGMC" (Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company) logo or the bracket-style underscore Ball logo (1885-1886) can fetch $75-$150+.
Upside-Down Ball Jars: Manufacturing errors where the Ball logo appears upside-down can be worth $100-$1,000 depending on other factors.
Special Commemorative Editions: Limited production runs created for specific events or anniversaries.
Perfect Condition Examples: Mint condition jars with no chips, cracks, or cloudiness are always worth more, sometimes 3-5 times the value of damaged examples.
Remember that authenticity is crucial—reproductions of rare colored jars are common in the market.
Are Ball Mason jars from the 1920s-1930s valuable?
Ball Mason jars from the 1920s-1930s (mostly featuring the "3-L" style Ball logo) are among the most common vintage jars found today, as this was a period of high production. For standard clear or aqua blue jars in this date range:
Common pint and quart sizes typically sell for $8-$25 in good condition
Half-gallon sizes may fetch $15-$30
Perfect condition examples with original closures can command slightly higher prices
However, jars from this era with unusual features can be significantly more valuable:
Colored glass examples (amber, green, etc.) can be worth $100-$300+
Unusual closure types increase value by 50-100%
Rare embossing variations or manufacturing errors can multiply value
While not the most valuable era for Ball jars, these 1920s-1930s examples represent affordable entry points for new collectors.
How do I clean old Mason jars without damaging them?
Cleaning antique Mason jars requires gentle techniques to avoid damaging their value:
For light soil or dust:
Use warm (not hot) water with a mild dish soap
Clean with a soft cloth or sponge (never abrasive pads)
Rinse thoroughly and air dry
For mineral deposits or cloudiness:
Soak in a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush
Rinse thoroughly
For stubborn stains:
Create a paste with baking soda and water
Apply gently with a soft cloth, let sit for 30 minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Never use:
Dishwashers (thermal shock can crack old glass)
Harsh chemicals (can damage embossing or glass)
Metal tools or abrasive scrubbers
Bleach (can harm the glass surface)
For valuable or rare jars, minimal cleaning is often best—excessive cleaning can reduce value by removing the natural patina collectors appreciate.
External Resources for Mason Jar Collectors
Mason Jar Collector Resources
Explore these trusted sources for more information on collecting and valuing antique Mason jars
While most common vintage Mason jars sell for modest sums ($5-$25), certain specimens with rare colors, unusual closures, or manufacturing peculiarities can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The key factors affecting value are color, age, rarity, condition, and manufacturer.
Before selling any antique Mason jar, take time to research its specific features. Check the logo style to determine age, look for unusual colors or manufacturing characteristics, and carefully assess condition. For potentially valuable specimens, consider professional appraisal or consultation with collector communities.
Whether you’re cleaning out an attic, starting a collection, or looking to invest, understanding Mason jar values helps you recognize hidden treasures among these everyday objects of America’s canning history. Even if your jars aren’t worth a fortune, they represent an important piece of domestic history and DIY culture that continues to resonate with collectors today.
