Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A vintage aqua glass canning jar with BALL in script embossed on one side, representing an iconic design from the Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company. The jar features an incorrect ring-style metal closure, surrounding a flat glass lid with BALL NO. 10 cast in relief. Standing 9 inches tall with a base diameter of 4.5 inches, this jar showcases the elegant craftsmanship associated with early 20th-century canning and preserving jars, popular among collectors for their historical and aesthetic appeal.
CONDITION REPORT ~ Offered as discovered, uncleaned and unaltered ~ Perhaps typical and minor elements relative to age, manner of early production and materials.
HISTORY of BALL CANNING JARS
The Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company, established in 1880 in Buffalo, New York, became one of the most recognized names in the production of glass canning jars. The company initially produced wood-jacketed tin cans but transitioned to glass jars after purchasing a glass manufacturing plant in Muncie, Indiana, in 1887. The relocation and expansion marked the beginning of the company's dominance in the home canning market.
Ball jars became synonymous with food preservation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when home canning was essential for preserving seasonal produce. The jars were made from durable glass, and their design evolved to improve efficiency and usability. The iconic "Ball" script logo, introduced in 1892, became a hallmark of quality and consistency.
The company produced jars in various colors, including aqua, clear, amber, and occasionally rarer shades like cobalt blue. Aqua jars, like the one described here, were particularly common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the natural impurities in the sand used to make the glass. Over time, as glass manufacturing techniques improved, the jars transitioned to being predominantly clear.
In 1915, Ball introduced the "Perfect Mason" jar, which standardized jar dimensions and threading, making them compatible with reusable screw-on lids and rubber seals. This innovation made canning more accessible and safer for households.
By the mid-20th century, Ball jars had become iconic symbols of American ingenuity and domesticity. While the company diversified into other industries over time, the legacy of its glass jars endures, with vintage examples prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance and nostalgic appeal.
Today, Ball jars remain a staple in modern kitchens and DIY crafts, blending their rich history with contemporary uses. The durability and timeless design continue to make them a cherished item for both practical and decorative purposes.
|