In my search for used canning jars, someone responded to my craigslist ad with quart jars that are Ball, 1930's, with zinc lids. Does anyone know if these are the type that I can use with the modern 2-peice lids, and in my pressure canner? It is a bit of a drive to get them, so I just want to save some time and gas if anyone knows the answer. It seems impossible to get accurate info from people who answer an ad! But if these jars are usable, I want 'em! Thanks!
I did a quick goggle search and both sources said that the zinc lids used rubber seals with them also when they were in use many years ago. Both said that the zinc lids would not be suitable for canning today. Nothing was said about the jars, except that older jars that were used over and over would become brittle over time and should not be used today. However, if you wanted to get the jars to store beans, pasta, grains, etc. and NOT use them for canning, that would be fine. Teresa
Oh, poop, I thought so. I have so many jars filled with dry goods, I guess I'll pass on these ones, tempting as they are. Thanks for the info, I found the same on the google search I did.
You can still use them for jelly if you seal with wax. make great storage jars. I bought plastic lids for mason jars and screwed them to a piece of wood about four feet long at equal intervals and then screwed that piece of wood to the underside of my cabinets. I use the jars to store tacks, nails, buttons, etc... It's very attractive.
I've got a handful of those blue jars and have canned in them. Just don't use the zinc lids. I've found that they may be more likely to crack than modern jars. Make sure you bring them up to temp before you put them into the boiling water. ETA: modern lids/rings will fit these jars
Quote:This has to get the prize for one of the coolest ideas I have heard in a LONG time!!! I use my old blue jars to store EVERYTHING, mostly dry goods though. That would make a great canister set....and so handy!!!
I have some Crown Brand jars with zinc lids that have a different thread than the newer screw lid types we use these days and therefore would not be able to accept the new rings and lids. I use mine to hold buttons, bobbins and sewing supplies.
