Nowadays, you can even buy a big flat of Mason jars for pretty cheap at your local craft or household goods store — but the older ones can fetch much higher prices. Typically, the smaller or more common antique jars can go for about $20 apiece, but the more rare versions can sell for as much as $300.

Which Mason jars are antique?

Antique Mason Canning JarsAqua Masons Patent Nov. 30th 1858. Aqua Masons Patent. Quart, Shoulder Seal, c.1875-1900. Aqua Atlas Strong Shoulder Mason. Quart, Bead or Ledge Seal, c. Aqua Ball. Quart, Shoulder Seal, c.1900-1910. Aqua Ball Mason. Aqua Ball Perfect Mason. Lightning Registered U.S. Patent Filed. Aqua Ball Ideal.More items

How old is a perfect mason jar?

The Ball Perfect Mason jar, one of the most common jars of this style, was introduced circa 1913 and produced until the mid-20th century. It had several variations, including a square-shaped jar.

What does the number on the bottom of a Mason jar mean?

Many Ball mason jars have a number printed on the bottom of the jar, but this is a mold number that does not indicate the year of production. Rather, the mold number tells you where the jar was positioned on the glass-making machine that was used to produce it.

Do old Mason jars contain lead?

Ball Mason Jar (year unknown): 43 ppm lead. Conversely, almost all Kerr jars I have tested have been positive for low-levels of lead (20 to 40 ppm range) – with very few exceptions. All Weck Jars I have tested have been positive for lead in the 200 ppm range (still very low, but consistently higher.)

Is it safe to use old Mason jars?

Learn why you should retire old canning jars from their role of putting up food and treat them as antiques instead. Old canning jars are beautiful, but they are likely not safe to use in home canning.

Do Mason jars have BPA?

In the U.S., the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends using mason-type wide-mouth jars for canning: Ball and Kerr mason jars are examples. However, these jar lids contain BPA. In Canada and Europe, glass jars with glass lids and rubber rings are the accepted choice in home canning.

Does Kerr still make jars?

Use with These jars are still in production, and will be a match to any Kerr Regular Mouth Self Sealing Pint that you can buy off the shelf.

Why is there a mason jar lid shortage?

It all began last year when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Stuck at home, people picked up gardening, then canning their harvest. “That led to a supply shortage of canning lids,” said Suzanne Driessen, University of Minnesota Extension food safety educator.