SPORTS MEMORABILIA
Ball Ideal Mason Jar with Clamp Lid Aqua / Blue Original
Key Facts & Value
Key Fact
Description
This is an antique Ball Ideal quart-sized Mason jar, crafted from aqua-tinted glass. It features the iconic embossed 'Ball' logo and 'Ideal' name, along with patent information on its base. The jar is equipped with its original wire bail lid mechanism, which includes a matching glass insert, demonstrating a classic design for home canning and preservation from the early 20th century. The color is a distinct blue-green, often referred to as aqua.
History
The Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company, founded in 1880, became a dominant force in the canning jar industry. The 'Ideal' model, patented on July 14, 1885, was one of their early successful designs. These jars were essential tools for families to preserve food, particularly during times when fresh produce was seasonal, contributing significantly to self-sufficiency and food storage practices in American households.
Facts
The aqua color of these early Ball jars is due to impurities in the glass mixture, specifically iron oxide, which reacted with the sand. This coloration is highly sought after by collectors. The 'Ideal' designation signifies a specific model within Ball's history, and the wire bail mechanism is characteristic of jars produced before the widespread adoption of screw-top lids, making them a tangible link to historical domestic life and kitchen practices.
Value Fact
Early Ball Ideal jars in good condition, especially those with intact wire bail lids and desirable aqua coloring, are quite collectible. Prices can vary significantly based on condition, rarity of mold variations, and the completeness of the lid. Examples in excellent condition, like this one appears to be, often fetch between $50 to $150 or more in the collector's market, driven by nostalgia and their functional aesthetic appeal.
In the galleries
Item Details
Official Details
Variation Details
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