Ball Jar Appraisal

Vintage Ball Ideal Aqua Blue Canning Jar with Wire Bail and Glass Lid

This is a vintage Ball Ideal canning jar, characterized by its distinctive aqua blue glass and glass lid secured with a wire bail closure. The jar features the embossed 'Ball' logo in a script font on its side, below which the word 'IDEAL' is also embossed. The glass exhibits characteristic air bubbles and slight irregularities inherent to older glass manufacturing processes, contributing to its vintage appeal. The aqua color is a result of impurities in the sand used during its production, common in canning jars from the late 19th to early 20th century. The lid is made of matching aqua glass and is sealed with a reddish-brown rubber gasket, which appears to be aged and somewhat degraded, indicated by a small visible chip or tear in a portion of the rubber near the lid's edge. A dark, possibly rusted, wire bail mechanism holds the lid firmly in place. The metal wire shows signs of age, including a matte finish and potential surface corrosion, consistent with its likely age and material. The jar's overall condition appears good for its age, with no visible cracks or major chips in the glass itself, though the interior might have some residue or cloudiness. Its sturdy construction and historical design point to its use as a functional canning jar. This type of jar is highly collectible due to its age, color, and recognizable brand.