The Collector's Ultimate Guide to Canning Jars
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These humble glass pieces were designed for putting up fruits and vegetables in the days before refrigeration. Here are some of the most valuable finds from the 1840s to the 1920s, when hundreds of companies were vying for a spot on America's shelves:
1. CORK-TOP JAR
This unmarked, mid- 1800s model featured cork, which did little to preserve its contents. The unique topper makes it of note today. VALUE: $150
2. UPSIDE-DOWN JAR BY BALL
Issued only from 1900 to 1910, this jar could double as a dispenser for a coffee grinder. The short production window gives it considerable cache. VALUE: $1,000
3. E-Z SEAL BY ATLAS
The amber hue is more than just decorative. When it was produced in 1910, there was a misconception that the dark shade prevented spoilage. VALUE: $60
4. LIGHTNING JAR BY BALL
In the common green shade, this wire bale 1910 model commands a respectable rate. A rare cobalt blue model fetches $10,000 or more. VALUE: $400
5. THE IMPROVED JAR BY HERO
This 1870 piece sports a unique glass liner just inside the metal lid. Prior to this detail, Hero users often com- plained about food going bad. VALUE: $200
6. SELF-SEALING JAR BY KERR
Released in 1915, this item once boasted a rubber lid. (When heated, it would melt to create a seal.) Missing the topper cuts the price in half. VALUE: $40
7. BEAVER JAR
The lid of this 1880s jar (made in Canada) has a metal band with a glass top—the result of the government deem- ing it unsanitary for metal to directly touch canned foods. VALUE: $100
8. VIOLET JAR BY COLUMBIA
Manganese added to the jars created a purple tint when exposed to the sun. The color was initially an error, but manufacturers began selling the popular shade in 1905. VALUE: $400
9. SUN JAR BY BARTOW
This 1890s style was known for its lever tops. Buyer beware: Reproductions abound. If a lid's metal looks pristine, it's likely too good to be true. VALUE: $175
10. WILLOUGHBY STOPPLE
When this 1858 jar's two- plate top with a wingnut proved defective, most were thrown out. Today the scarce find proves that one era's trash is another's treasure. VALUE: $500
Today, Ball is the most sought- after brand. Here's a cheat sheet to determining a jar's approximate age:
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