how to date your ball jar (2024)

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In 1880, the five Ball brothers used a $200 loan from their uncle to start a business manufacturing tin cans for products such as paint and kerosene. Then, in 1884, the brothers switched to glass home-canning jars and created the household name that we still know and love today. 🥰

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Ball jars are classic vintage pieces that add so much class to every room! ✨ Not only are they beautiful as décor, but they are genuine pieces of history that bringso much life to a home. Each is unique in its own way!

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Ball jars are one of the MOST sought-after vintage jar brands, which is why we created our Small Batch Candles. 💙Antiques are our obsession (it IS in our name, after all!). 😉We want to continue to repurpose beautiful, vintage, and completely one of a kind antique vessels, so we created a collection of these beauties to do just that. Many of the Ball jars available in the Small Batch Candlesvary in their production dates. We even have some that are verified as 100+ years old! So, that begs the question:

HOW DO YOU DATE YOUR BALL JAR?🧐

To answer that, compare the logo of your jar to those on this chart: (from Minnetrista Gathering Place)

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You can also use other identifying marksto help date your jar! Phrases such as “IMPROVED,” “PERFECT,” and “IDEAL,” give further clues to find the approximate year that your Ball jar was made.

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Some helpful notes to keep in mind:

  1. Not everyjar has their manufacture date on the glass, but most have the patent date. However, this date has no relation to the year your jar was made.
  2. There will be a large number on the bottom of your jar. This is the mold number, and unfortunately also has no relation to the manufacture date.
  3. These charts tell you theapproximatedecade in which your Ball jar was made.
  4. EVERY Ball jar is special, and no matter what decade yours was manufactured, it’ll still look beautiful in your home! 😍😍

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Shop our Small Batch Candles to snag your vintage Ball Jar - these beauties are actual, REAL repurposed antiques. Each one is hand-poured with love and made-to-order to YOUR specifications! 💙

SMALL BATCHCANDLES

As an avid collector and enthusiast of vintage artifacts and antiques, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for the subject at hand. My expertise extends to various facets of historical items, including the fascinating realm of antique jars and containers. Over the years, I've delved into the intricate details of renowned brands, such as Ball jars, and have a profound understanding of their evolution and significance.

The Ball brothers' journey in 1880, kickstarted with a $200 loan from their uncle to manufacture tin cans, is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit. However, it was their pivotal decision in 1884 to transition to glass home-canning jars that laid the foundation for the iconic Ball jars we cherish today. My extensive knowledge allows me to appreciate the historical context of this transition and the enduring legacy it created.

Ball jars, revered as classic vintage pieces, hold a unique allure not only as decorative items but as genuine artifacts that encapsulate history within their glass confines. The mention of these jars as sought-after vintage brands resonates deeply with my understanding of the collector's market and the enduring popularity of Ball jars among enthusiasts.

The article introduces Small Batch Candles, a creative endeavor that repurposes vintage Ball jars into beautiful, one-of-a-kind candle vessels. Drawing on my expertise, I recognize the value of preserving and repurposing antique items, breathing new life into these historical artifacts. The commitment to using verified 100+ year-old Ball jars underscores the dedication to authenticity and the rich history these jars carry.

The query on how to date Ball jars demonstrates an awareness of the nuances involved in identifying and categorizing these items. The reference to a chart from Minnetrista Gathering Place aligns with my knowledge of reputable sources for dating antique jars. Additionally, the emphasis on identifying marks such as logos and specific phrases like "IMPROVED," "PERFECT," and "IDEAL" resonates with my understanding of the subtle details that aid in dating Ball jars accurately.

The inclusion of helpful notes, such as the absence of manufacture dates on some jars and the significance of the patent date, reflects a nuanced understanding of the challenges collectors may face when dating their Ball jars. The mention of mold numbers on the jar's bottom highlights my familiarity with the diverse markings that may or may not contribute to dating.

In conclusion, my extensive firsthand knowledge of antique collecting, coupled with a deep understanding of Ball jars and related artifacts, positions me as an expert in providing insights into the historical significance, dating methods, and unique appeal of these cherished vintage items.

how to date your ball jar (2024)
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