A Brief History of Mason Canning Jars

Mason Canning Jars

Mason jars haven’t been used only for storing but also for preserving. Yes, you heard it right! Before refrigerators, people preserved foods in various ways, like salting, smoking, pickling, waxing, and fermenting. However, these methods weren’t too effective until the invention of iconic mason jars. Learn more about History of Mason Canning Jars below.

Also, Napoleon Bonaparte played a major role in the invention of mason jars. Napoleon searched for the right way to preserve food for the troops fighting in the Napoleonic wars. So the French government offered an award of 12,000 francs to anyone for the invention of the preservation method. This paved the way for the invention of mason jars, but after many years. Read on to know more about the history of mason canning jars. 

History of Mason Canning Jars

John Landis Mason, a 24-year-old tinsmith, developed an airtight seal molded jar to preserve food. He named the jar after his name, Manson. Jars came with a threaded neck, threaded metal to ensure an airtight seal, and clear glass to see the contents inside. Mason jar became a huge success, and the company started to produce the jars in various designs, shapes, cap designs, and sizes. Mason patented the jars in 1858. When Landis Mason’s patent expired in 1879, many companies started producing mason jars. Mason achieved fame from his invention but not wealth. He died in 1972.

History of Ball Mason Jars

After the expiry of Mason’s original patent, five brothers- Edmund, Frank, George, Lucius, and William founded the Ball in 1880 with a $200 loan from their uncle George. Initially, they made wood jacketed tin cans to store chemicals, paints, and kerosene. A few years later, the company expanded and started making tin and glass jars. Later, they changed their name to Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company and became one of the largest producers of mason jars in America.

FAQs: Mason Canning Jar History & Uses

1. Who invented the Mason jar and when?

John Landis Mason, an American tinsmith, patented the first glass jar with a screw-on lid (screw-threaded neck) on November 30, 1858. 

2. How did people preserve food before Mason jars?

Prior to Mason’s invention, home canning often used wax seals, corks, or other cumbersome methods that were less reliable for airtight preservation. 

3. Why is the jar called a “Mason” jar, even when made by other brands like Ball or Kerr?

After Mason’s patent expired, many manufacturers copied the design. The term “Mason” became generic for screw-top canning jars, regardless of brand. 

4. When did Ball begin manufacturing mason jars?

The Ball brothers started producing glass home-canning jars around 1884 and became one of the most recognized names in Mason jars. 

5. What improvements were made to the original Mason jar design?

Improvements included adding rubber seals, two-piece metal lids, better threading, and later versions where the lid seals on the rim instead of the shoulder. 

6. Are Mason jars still used for canning today?

Yes — they remain popular for home canning and food preservation, especially among home gardeners, DIY food enthusiasts, and during times of food supply interest. 

7. Why did the use of Mason jars increase during World War II?

During WWII, with food rationing and encouragement of home gardening, people widely adopted Mason jars to preserve produce and increase food self-sufficiency. 

8. Can Mason jars be used for purposes other than canning?

Yes — nowadays they’re used as drinking glasses, storage containers, vases, candles, and decorative items. 

9. What makes an antique Mason jar valuable to collectors?

Factors include age, embossing, rarity, color (such as cobalt blue or amber), mold marks, and manufacturer. Early jars with “Mason’s Patent Nov. 1858” are especially prized. 

10. Did Ball Corporation stop making Mason jars?

Yes — Ball ceased direct production of Mason jars in the 1990s, spinning off that business. The brand now exists under Newell Brands, which continues licensing for canning supplies.

The invention of refrigeration and other food preservation methods decreased the popularity of the mason jars over time. However, mason jars are being widely used even today.