How Do You Identify Old Glass Jars?
Many homes have old glass jars sitting in the back of the kitchen cupboard, storing nails in the garage or found empty in the attic. A person who comes across one of these jars may be interested in knowing who manufactured the jar and how old it is. There are many clues on the jar itself to help a person identify how old the jar may be, including the color of the glass, the label and the type of lid. Be familiar with the most popular manufacturers of old glass jars. One reference guide that sets the standard for collecting is “1000 Fruit Jars” by Bill Schroeder. Knowing this information will help you determine the size, shape and color of glass for any specific manufacturer that produced glass jars. Examine any embossing or labeling present on the jar. Typical information embossed on a jar can be the date it was manufactured, the name of the manufacturer and mold numbers. Readable labels may provide a clue to what product was stored in the jar. Note the color of the jar. Color often po
