Historical information
This clear, light green, glass "hand blown" fruit preservation jar was used before the mass manufacturing of "screw topped" fruit preservation glass jars imported from Asia or great Britain. The "Mason's Patent" on the jar was for the screw-neck form of the jar top. The screw neck provided the jar with a vacuum seal
(preservation) method of fruit jar storage. The reference on the jar of the actual date that the patent was established was in effect for 13 years with extension of a further 7 years. It was an American world wide patent which resulted in only specific manufacture to Glass Works that had paid the manufacturing levy imposed. The air bubbles in the glass suggests that this jar was "hand blown". This would then place the manufacture date before 1900.
Preserves came in glass jars bought at the local grocery store or at a large city store on a shopping expedition. The shape of the jar changed as did the stopper used to seal it. Jars were recycled remaining the property of the manufacturer. History of Mason's.
Significance
This fruit jar is significant to a rural area such as the Kiewa Valley and in the early 1900's when the preservation of fruit and vegetables was an intrinsic part of the typical rural farm/property family. Local shops could only supply fruit and vegetables as seasons permitted. The travelling "green grocer" was more prevalent in towns and cities but not in semi remote rural areas.
Historical: Change of jars - shape, glass, stopper, embossing & use.
Aesthetic: Display showing embossing & shape especially if in good condition.
Physical description
This vintage "Mason's Patent", screw on thread lid fruit jar was hand blown (air bubbles). It was produced for the home canning of local fruit. The jar is made from thick glass and is tinted light green.
Clear glass jar with slight green tinge used for preserves. sides almost straight but jar has a slight bulge almost all the way to the top. Heavily embossed on 1 side. Horizontal print in large capital letters. At the top - manufacturer's name with emblem beneath it. The base has a slight bulge inwards with embossing.
Inscriptions & markings
In a half ecliptical form "MASON'S" and underneath the Mason's logo.Under the logo "PATENT/ NOV 30 th / 1858". On the base "C201" (double molded).
