My new babies–a blue pint Ball jar and a green quart “1858” Mason. The blue Ball jars were discontinued in 1937, and according to the Ball jar dating page (neat page–see here), the lettering on this jar dates it to between 1923 and 1933.
The 1858 on old Mason jars refers to the date of the patent by John Mason and the jars were made, imprinted with this date, into the 1900s. While I can’t nail down the exact date for this quart jar, the simple block print lettering and green glass suggest somewhere in the early 1900s. Air bubbles in the glass are also always an indicator of a true vintage jar.
Both of these jars come with the once-popular zinc screw-on caps.
Love them, love them, love them! Thank you to Lisabeth Olson who sent them to me!! (With goodies inside to boot! By the way, that’s why the jars don’t look particularly clean above–I just emptied them to take photos then put the contents back. Lisabeth sent me some dried tomatoes and fruit!)
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Lisabeth Olson in honor of her grandmother, who raised three grandchildren in addition to her own seven children, along with her husband on a small farm in Virginia. She canned almost all of their food for the winter in her old Presto pressure canner, made clothes, and quilted.
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (February 20). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (February 21). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).
Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.
UPDATE 02/21/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #35, Carmen at Old House Kitchen. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
Richelle says:
Yes, BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 4:25 am
Jean - MN says:
I love those old jars too — BBB please — thanks!
On February 20, 2011 at 6:24 am
Kathy in FL says:
Beautiful jars! BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 6:47 am
Amy says:
Love those jars! (BBB)
On February 20, 2011 at 7:31 am
Rachel says:
BBB please!!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:31 am
prayingpup says:
Awww . . . those are the most beautiful jars! BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:33 am
Roz says:
I would love to win the BBB!! Thanks for the opportunity!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:37 am
mary ellen says:
I would love to win the BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:42 am
brookdale says:
LOVE the jars! I never saw a green one before. BBB please…thank you, Lisabeth and Suzanne!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:59 am
patrice says:
BBB,please.
On February 20, 2011 at 8:04 am
holstein woman says:
Dear Suzanne, thank you for letting me know you got the package. I hope you can use everything in the box. DON’T ENTER ME. Thank you again
On February 20, 2011 at 8:14 am
jim says:
bbb book please
On February 20, 2011 at 8:16 am
Anke says:
Lucky you, beautiful jars and some homemade goodies.
BBB pretty please.
On February 20, 2011 at 8:32 am
heidinawrocki says:
oohhh…this would be great! The jars look lovely! BBB please 🙂
On February 20, 2011 at 8:32 am
Gem says:
PlEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE Pick ME for the BBB 🙂
On February 20, 2011 at 8:36 am
Sharon :) says:
I would love a BBB to.:)
On February 20, 2011 at 8:42 am
Jeanne says:
BBB! : )
On February 20, 2011 at 8:42 am
rileighsmom1 says:
Love the new jars! BBB, please! Thanks : )
On February 20, 2011 at 8:43 am
Connie says:
BBB Please.
On February 20, 2011 at 8:47 am
Linda says:
Please put me in the drawing…..I want it!
On February 20, 2011 at 8:47 am
Window On The Prairie says:
I have one of the old blue jars, and just love it. I put old pecans and hickory nuts in it from my old home back in Missouri.
Would love to have the book please. BBB
Suzanne
On February 20, 2011 at 8:48 am
lilac wolf says:
Oh yes, BBB please! Pretty jars too. My great-greandpa had a dairy farm and I’m always looking for Kurrle Dairy jars.
On February 20, 2011 at 8:50 am
Peggy says:
In honor or a wonderful woman whom cared for family by canning, sewing and quilting. BBB please
On February 20, 2011 at 8:55 am
Luann says:
BBB PLEASE….
On February 20, 2011 at 8:58 am
Alison Yusufzai says:
I would love to have this BBB, please
On February 20, 2011 at 8:59 am
Bonnie W. says:
I have some of these that I have found in antique shops. I also have some half gallon ones with the old glass tops w/bail wires. Love them! I use those for storing different flours like rye and buckwheat. (BBB) please!
On February 20, 2011 at 8:59 am
Denise :) says:
Me, please! I’d love a BBB! 🙂
On February 20, 2011 at 9:03 am
Skip On Stars Farm says:
These jars are art and memories. BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 9:03 am
Leah's Mom says:
Interesting…I have never seen a green jar before but have seen lots of blue. I wonder if they are more plentiful in specific parts of the country (or maybe I just haven’t paid attention?)
Please sign me up! :yes:
On February 20, 2011 at 9:05 am
Judy says:
Beautiful jars!BBB please….
On February 20, 2011 at 9:06 am
Leenie Hobbie says:
What beautiful jars! And the sponsor today reminded me a lot of my own childhood…raised by a grandmother who birthed 7 of her own and then adopted four more. She and my grandfather raised and preserved most of our food. It was even in Virginia! Count me in for BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:07 am
dilli says:
most excellent gift on the jars and contents . I remember them from when I was a kid. There were many up in our old nasty attic crawl space.. would love to win the BBB as we are beginning a library through our local food/ ministry place
On February 20, 2011 at 9:10 am
Jennifer S says:
I’d love to win- BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:12 am
Melissa (N4M) says:
Love the jars….count me in BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 9:13 am
Carmen at Old House Kitchen says:
I have an old green jar like that, too! Love them! Please enter me! BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:16 am
Lee in KY says:
I’d not seen the blue jars previously…very pretty! BBB entry please.
On February 20, 2011 at 9:16 am
Renee says:
Those jars are beautiful. Saw some yesterday but the man wanted way to much for them, so I had to pass. They were the blue ones.
Would love to have a BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 9:17 am
windspiritwhimsies says:
Aren’t the bubbles in the jars wonderful?!! Love those jars! Would love to learn how to can. BBB,for me please. :happyflower:
On February 20, 2011 at 9:18 am
Ellen in DE says:
:sheep: What I love about these old jars is not just how amazingly vintage and great to look at but I think about what went into them over the year….pickled okra if you were in the south, apple butter from New England, chow-chow if you were from Pennsylvania (like my ancestors). One of the great thing about vintage is the history of where the items have been and who might have used them…that’s what makes them special. It’s almost as if whoever used them – and chances are they’ve been used many dozens of times – carefully filled them, fed the contents to their families, cleaned them carefully and put them away for the next time.
On February 20, 2011 at 9:20 am
Ellen in DE says:
I forgot to put BBB :snuggle:
On February 20, 2011 at 9:21 am
Janie Villareal says:
Good Morning!
It would be my honor to win the BBB jars. Celebrating RODEO this week in Tucson, Long Live COWBOYS!Janie
On February 20, 2011 at 9:40 am
Deni says:
What a great gift! I think I’m envious!!! BBB Pleas
On February 20, 2011 at 9:43 am
marymac says:
love those jars, BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 9:47 am
Deb says:
Love those old jars. We have one with the old style lid. Will have to look at that list. Thanks for the info. Oh and PLEASE
O PLEASE O PLEASE pick me for the BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 9:50 am
Hamp Girl says:
BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 9:51 am
annabel52 says:
I wish those jars could tell us what has been in them and who put it in there……BBB please
On February 20, 2011 at 9:51 am
Brenda E says:
Oh how I love those jars – they are so vintage and so beautiful. I am just so jealous. I do have some of the old zinc lids that I am saving in case I ever find a vintage jar. They are so precious – if I am drawn Suzanne just draw again because I won a BBB on another site – can’t believe it – and I must say I just love the BBB. It is chocked full of wonderful things to can and I can’t wait for summer.
On February 20, 2011 at 9:51 am
Kat J. - Arizona says:
Very neat jars. BBB, pleaase!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:59 am
Barbara W says:
BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 10:10 am
viggie says:
Lovely jars! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 10:12 am
EightPondFarm says:
Just beautiful. We found an old very large pickle jar (not Ball or Mason), no lid, yesterday. Amazing how something like that can stay intact in the ground for so long. Please enter me too!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:13 am
Patty says:
Those jars are just WONDERFUL!!! I would love to win the jars. I’m enjoying all my canned goodies from last years garden. Thanks Suzanne for promoting the farm good life.!!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:14 am
zeitgewandt says:
Love the colours. BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 10:16 am
mygirls01 says:
bbb enter me please!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:20 am
Diane says:
Inherited my Moms pressure cooker, no book. Would like the BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 10:21 am
Full Strut Farm says:
I love the jars! I’ve never seen a green one, it’s beautiful. BBB please.
On February 20, 2011 at 10:22 am
GaPeach says:
BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:23 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
I just love old jars! BBB Please!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:28 am
Patricialynn says:
What pretty jars! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 10:29 am
mygirls01 says:
I already entered above, but I had a question for anyone that might know.
I had several quart jars given to me and I was trying to get a possible date on them. They are not Ball, they are Kerr. When I was given them, most of them had very hard to get off zinc lids and some had glass lids. They have bubbles in the glass like the Ball also. They are clear though, no green or blue coloring in them. I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me find a place where I could get an idea of the dates for them?
On February 20, 2011 at 10:31 am
Karen says:
Please enter me! I would love to get the BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 10:33 am
Nancy Stickler says:
So pretty! I’ve discovered the best way to get the old jars around here is to hit the flea markets as soon as they start in the spring. COLD, COLD, COLD but worth it!! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 10:34 am
tea4too0 says:
I remember mom’s old jar collection. We also canned alot while I was growing up. Please enter me in the BBB. Thank you
On February 20, 2011 at 10:34 am
Wanda says:
I’ve got several blue ones–a couple of half gallons. I love them & I really would love to have a new BBB!!!!!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:35 am
claudia w says:
Those jars are beautiful!
Yes, please enter me for a BBB. Thank you!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:35 am
ladychef68 says:
BBB Those jars are so beautiful! Thanks for another chance to win.
On February 20, 2011 at 10:36 am
LeAnn says:
Love the blue and green jars, got bit of a collection myself 🙂
BBB, please.
On February 20, 2011 at 10:38 am
farmershae says:
Thank you Lisabeth and Suzanne, please BBB me!
and here’s a dumb question if anyone further down the line knows… when you have a really “bubbly” jar with all the air bubbles – is it safe to can with? Does the air IN the glass expand differently? I’m sure it’s gone through the canner hundreds of times before it got to me, but I am so paranoid of breaking a beautiful jar. I tend to save them for dry goods, but my husband wants to can with them as normal. Any thoughts?
On February 20, 2011 at 10:44 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
farmershae, I don’t know, they are probably fine to can with, but I would never!!!! There’s always the slim chance of a jar breakage any time you can, so I would never risk a vintage jar. I use vintage jars for storing dry stuff etc.
On February 20, 2011 at 11:18 am
Miss Becky says:
the old ones are not only gorgeous but the best – such thick glass. thank you Lisabeth for sponsoring this giveaway! BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:55 am
Deborah Brickhouse says:
:snoopy: The old jars just bring back memories of going to my gramma’s house and seeing them filled with different items. :happyfeet: They had memories for her and now memories for me. :heart: Everytime I see one I think of gramma’s house :snuggle: BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 11:02 am
Bebop says:
Would like to be entered for the BBB, please!
On February 20, 2011 at 11:04 am
Rosemeri says:
I also have a lot of vintage caning jars and I just love them to display things in. Please put me in the BBB drawing. Thanks.
On February 20, 2011 at 11:38 am
Martha in KS says:
I have three beautiful zinc-lidded blue jars that belonged to my great aunt. The green is so pretty too. I’d love a BBB, please! :fairy:
On February 20, 2011 at 11:43 am
Christina Bredenkamp says:
Love your BBB giveaways – count me in for the BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 11:46 am
babsaroo1969 says:
Lovely jars!!
BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Karen says:
Think of all the goodies those old jars have held over the years! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 12:03 pm
marjohalleran says:
I would die for those jars!!!! BBB PLEASE!!!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Patty says:
My husband makes beautiful pump jars from these old jars..puts dishwashing soap or any liquid soaps and makes a great addition to a country home. Yeah BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Kathy Barnard says:
These are wonderful! Thanks for the chance :snoopy:
BBB – Kathy
On February 20, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Kristen A says:
BBB me please. Thank you Lisabeth!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:15 pm
cricketjett says:
BBB, please!!!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Mountain Sunshine says:
Love the OLD jars. I collect them and love having them in windows for the sun to shine through. Of course, most of my canning jars are full of great garden food I put up…Love canning! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Connie says:
I’d love to win!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Julia says:
I love the beautiful jars. I would also like to win the BBB. Thanks
On February 20, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Pam says:
BBB, please!
On February 20, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Laurie says:
BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Denise C says:
:snoopy: I would LOVE this !
On February 20, 2011 at 1:34 pm
LisaAJB says:
Oh my goodness those are gorgeous! I was second hand shopping with my mother-in-law yesterday and picked up some pretty jars of my own. Nothing as wonderful as those. BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Sonyaw says:
Love all of my Ball Blue Jars:) Thank you for the link, now I can date them:) Have a great day!(BBB)
On February 20, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Sue says:
I have about a dozen blue jars in my basement. They are just sitting in a box. I never thought about doing anything with them.
Today is my fiftieth birthday. Maybe I’ll win the BBB!
Thanks,
Sue
On February 20, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Tricia in TEXAS says:
BBB I sure hope ya pick ME!
On February 20, 2011 at 1:45 pm
GrammieEarth says:
They are beautiful jars! I have a couple of older Jewel bottles with a zinc screw cap and a glass lid. One holds pretty rocks (in water) from my favorite ocean shore, the other sits in my ‘china cabinet’. That would be the cabinet that holds no china LOL
My neighbor would definately benefit from the BBB, so count me in please.
Pam
On February 20, 2011 at 1:46 pm
langela says:
I love the old colored jars. BBB me, please!
On February 20, 2011 at 1:54 pm
jan~n~tn says:
Such wonderful gifts! BBB please.
On February 20, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Brittany P. says:
BBB please, please, please!!! :sheepjump:
On February 20, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Cindy says:
Those jars are sooooo cooool! Count me in for the BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Amanda says:
Sign me up for the BBB and have fun with those jars. Very neat!
On February 20, 2011 at 2:34 pm
aprilejoi says:
Thank you LisaBeth Olsen for sharing your grandmothers story. (BBB)
On February 20, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Laura Newton says:
count me I for the BBB.
On February 20, 2011 at 2:40 pm
CindyS says:
Wow! Super neat gift from Lisabeth :-). (BBB, please!)
On February 20, 2011 at 2:46 pm
geena22 says:
BBB please!
:eating:
On February 20, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Chrisi says:
What a sweet gift. Old canning jars are wonderful, they have such character.
Please enter me in BBB. 😀
On February 20, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Renee says:
Please enter me for the BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 3:47 pm
AnnieB says:
I love your new jars Suzanne. I’ve got a lot of old blue Mason jars, pint, quart, and two quart. I use them to keep all of my grains, lentils, beans, etc. They look so pretty lined up on a shelf with all the different-colored contents!
mygirls01, I don’t see Kerr jars at all around here (Pennsylvania). I think they were (at least originally) from Oklahoma, so that’s not surprising. If you google them you’ll find some that look just as old as the Mason jars and also brand new ones, so they’re still making them!
BBB please !
On February 20, 2011 at 3:48 pm
melody says:
bbb please
On February 20, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Sheepie~Girl says:
Pick ME please for the BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 4:11 pm
lavenderblue says:
I always thought it was age and sunlight that made the jars change color. You mean they made them that way? On purpose? How pretty.
Enter me for the BBB, please.
Oh, and I wouldn’t use even the newer jars, if they had bubbles in them. I’d be afraid that the pressure would make them break. In keeping with the “no chips, cracks or flaws” rule. Even though we like the looks of the bubbles, I think they are considered “flaws”.
On February 20, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Lana says:
Thanks for the chance to win a BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Melanie says:
I have a blue jar with a zinc cap. Love it. BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Lacey says:
BBB please!
On February 20, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Teri says:
would love to win a bbb!
On February 20, 2011 at 5:41 pm
artsjoy says:
Just luv this blog! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Janice Jewett says:
Love the jars. Please enter me for BBB.
Thank you Janice
On February 20, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Pam C says:
Those are awesome jars! I’m jealous! BBB
On February 20, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Mark Garner says:
I love to have the BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Brenda S. says:
BBB please!!!!
On February 20, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Bonnie says:
BBB, please!
On February 20, 2011 at 8:33 pm
KellyRR says:
Wondering if the colored jars are still safet to use for canning? – BBB Please 🙂
On February 20, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Vicki in So. CA says:
Love the jars! Those lids are hard to come by.
BBB for my daughter, please. 😀
On February 20, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Sarah Beth says:
BBB please!!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Howard says:
BBB please
On February 20, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Jackie G says:
Enter me for the BBB drawing, please!
On February 20, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Barbara at AtLast says:
BBB please
On February 20, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Lisa W says:
I would love to win a BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Barbie says:
Love the old Ball canning jars. BBB please.
On February 20, 2011 at 11:22 pm
BethAnn says:
Would love the opportunity to win a BBB!
On February 20, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Teresa says:
Neat jars, what a history. BBB please
On February 21, 2011 at 7:04 am
Tammy F says:
Remember seeing these jars when I was a little girl. BBB, please!
On February 21, 2011 at 7:33 am
Cheryl R says:
I have Jar Envy!
Please list me for the BBB,thanks.
On February 21, 2011 at 7:57 am
Amy I. says:
Please BBS for me!!!
On February 21, 2011 at 8:18 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
This giveaway is closed to entry. The winning comment number is #35, Carmen at Old House Kitchen.
On February 21, 2011 at 8:38 am
holstein woman says:
Congratulations Carmen, I hope you enjoy your BBB, It is my pleaseure to give it. Lisabeth
On February 21, 2011 at 9:07 am
megan d says:
Congrats, Carmen!!
On February 21, 2011 at 9:14 am
Journey11 says:
Those are cool! My mom used to collect the blue ones. I’d enjoy them sitting in my kitchen window so the sunlight could shine through. I wonder how it could have been safe to can things in them if they have air bubbles?
On February 21, 2011 at 1:41 pm
kindigo27 says:
please!!!!! i want a bbb!
On February 21, 2011 at 2:27 pm