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The Daily Insight

How do I know if my Ball jars are vintage?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on March 31, 2026

There are many ways to date old Ball mason jars, and one of the easiest is to look at the logo. Along with the logo, you can sometimes use the color, size, and other distinguishing marks to help date a mason jar.

Did Ball change their canning lids?

The Ball® brand is introducing new canning lids for 2017. These lids will start appearing in stores where canning supplies are sold in May 2017. These lids will replace all Ball® and Kerr® lids. Current lid supplies are safe to use and will be sold until they are gone.

How do you date Old Ball jars?

If you have a Ball jar, you can date most of them just by looking at the logo. Every few years, the Ball Manufacturing Co changed the logo and if you compare yours to a reliable chart, you know how old it is.

Why are Ball canning lids hard to find?

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.

Why are there no Ball canning lids?

Do Kerr and Ball lids interchangeable?

all of the jar companies have both regular size and wide mouth. Kerr & Ball jar lids are interchangeable.

Are Kerr Mason jars worth anything?

Typical values: The value of antique Ball, Mason and Kerr canning jars varies greatly. Typical prics range from $8 to $25 a jar.

How to tell how old Ball jars are?

To date an old Ball mason jar, look at the logo on the jar. If the logo is an insignia made up of the letters BBGMC, the jar was made between 1885 and 1886 . If the logo is written using block letters, the jar was likely made between 1892 and 1896.

How much are old canning jars worth?

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. Click to see full answer. Similarly, it is asked, how much are canning jars worth? Value depends on a lot of factors, but many canning jars sell for under $15.

What is the history of Ball canning jars?

History of Ball Mason Jars The Purpose Behind the Jar. Today, food manufacturers, restaurateurs, and home canners understand the finer points of preserving food. The Pioneer of Preservation. Ball Brothers: Preserving Mason’s Legacy. Dating a Ball Mason Jar Ball Mason Jar Sizes The Spirit of the Jar Lives On. Preserving History.

Can I use Ball canning jars in the freezer?

Yes, you can freeze the glass canning jars. The Ball co. instructions usually have some recipes for freezer jam. Just don’t put a cold jar in the microwave or put a jar with hot liquid into the freezer.