Tue 7 Jun 2011
Posted by Tropical Twister under Ball Jars & Insulators , Ball Jars and Insulators
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While in the Smokies last week, enabled by my husband, I meandered the various flea markets and garage sales in our area. I found this beveled glass arch for $5 at the Methodist Church garage sale in Silva…

I haggled for jars, bought jars at a cooperative antique mall at 40% off, and found my “prize”/favorite jars at Bob’s Flea Market between Bryson City and Waynesville. Didn’t pay over $3 for any jar except I splurged on one, $9. You can see I favor the blue glass. All had zinc lids but I’m not certain they were originally matched with the various jars as a couple don’t fit too well.
HERE is a great resource for dating Ball Canning Jars. Bob Clay has wonderful history with lots of photos and sketches. I’m a novice but this is what I came up with:
I’m obviously a novice, I bought the jars because I like the glass. I love the irregular shapes and bubbles in the old glass. Please comment and feel free to correct me if my dates are off or if I have anything of any value, I’d love to know. (Thank you Bob Clay for correcting identification of first jar; I’ve updated this page.)
I’ve picked up insulators over the past few years and have a number but this one is unique. Usually I try to only collect ones without knicks or “bites” but this one is so unusual I took it with it’s small chip. Does anyone recognize it?

The other two I picked up aren’t uncommon but I like blue glass:


Not my usual fiber related post, but something fun and may be of interest.
Tropical Twister