Antique Ball Triple-L MASON Half-Gallon Aqua Fruit Jar

The details

Authentic antique Ball Triple-L MASON half-gallon fruit jar in aqua glass, dating to approximately 1900–1910 and distinguished by an unusual molded error in the capital B of the Ball script. The front is embossed with Ball’s early 3-L Loop, commonly called Triple-L, script logo with the Dropped A, positioned above block-letter MASON. Close inspection of the logo shows that the center loop of the capital B does not pass through the vertical bar of the B. This specific logo construction matches the identifying description for Red Book No. 234-19, an error variation of the Ball Triple-L MASON jar. The entry is listed as unpriced in the Red Book, meaning that no dependable standard value range was established for the variation. It should not be confused with the ordinary Red Book No. 234 Triple-L MASON jar. B Center-Loop Error The unusual B is not caused by glare, damage, a trapped air bubble or weak photography. The same molded configuration remains visible from multiple angles. On a standard Ball Triple-L logo, the center portion of the B continues through the main vertical stroke. On this example, that loop terminates at the vertical bar rather than passing through it. This abnormal letter construction is the defining feature of the Red Book No. 234-19 variation. The remaining Ball script is strongly formed, with the characteristic three extended L loops and long underline. Block MASON appears directly beneath the script and remains clearly legible. Glass Color and Character The jar is made from attractive period aqua glass with noticeably deeper blue-green to teal color concentration around the heel and base. Natural outdoor light brings out the brighter aqua body and the intense color pooling at the bottom. Indoor light gives the glass a softer blue-green appearance. The antique glass contains authentic manufacturing characteristics, including: • Seed bubbles and larger trapped air bubbles • A prominent bubble in the upper body • Visible waviness and glass movement • Uneven color concentration • Mold irregularities • A pronounced swirl and heavier color at the base These characteristics were formed during manufacture and are part of the jar’s early glass character rather than modern damage. Closure The jar is accompanied by an aged zinc screw lid with darkened patina, oxidation and surface wear consistent with age. Because antique fruit-jar lids were removable and frequently exchanged during decades of household use, the lid is described as a period-compatible zinc closure rather than guaranteed as the lid originally issued with this exact jar body. The lid has not been polished or refinished, preserving its honest antique surface. Collector Interest This jar combines several notable features: • Red Book No. 234-19 identification • Unusual B center-loop mold error • Ball Triple-L or 3-L Loop script • Dropped A logo construction • Block MASON embossing • Large half-gallon capacity • Aqua glass with concentrated blue-green base color • Seed bubbles and pronounced glass movement • Strong base swirl • Period zinc screw lid • Very good antique condition • Circa 1900–1910 production period The half-gallon form has considerably more presence than a standard quart jar. The concentrated color at the base, early script and abnormal B make it especially appealing for a specialized Ball collection, mold-variation collection or advanced fruit-jar display. It would display well in: • A Ball jar collection • An antique fruit-jar collection • A collection of jar errors and mold variations • An early American glass collection • A primitive kitchen or pantry display • A country-store or Southern mercantile setting • A farmhouse, traditional or historic interior • A collection focused on antique aqua and blue-green glass Condition The jar is in very good antique collectible condition. No cracks or major chips were observed during inspection. The mouth, threaded neck, shoulder, body, heel and base appear structurally sound. Expected evidence of age and manufacture includes light scratches, minor surface wear, glass waviness, seed bubbles, mold irregularities and scattered marks from historic handling and storage. The zinc lid shows oxidation, darkening, patina and age-related wear. The photographs show the exact jar offered and form an important part of the condition description. Please inspect every image closely, particularly the capital B, Ball script, MASON lettering, mouth, threads, heel, base swirl and zinc lid. Details Maker: Ball Red Book identification: No. 234-19 Logo: Ball script 3-L Loop or Triple-L, Dropped A Error variation: Center loop of B does not pass through the vertical bar of B Additional embossing: Block MASON Capacity: Half gallon Color: Aqua with deeper blue-green or teal base concentration Approximate date: Circa 1900–1910 Closure: Period-compatible zinc screw lid Materials: Glass and zinc Condition: Very good antique collectible condition Country of manufacture: United States Quantity: One jar with zinc lid Intended use: Antique collectible and decorative display This jar is offered as an antique collectible. It is not represented as suitable for modern food storage, pressure canning or active sealing use. Packed carefully and shipped insured. Every piece leaves our shop securely protected to arrive safely.