Landi Mason patented Mason jars in Philadelphia in 1858. His jars had screwed-on lids and were designed to make food storage safer by creating an airtight seal. The jars are mass produced and intended for home canning use, though people also use them in craft projects. Today, Mason jars come in a number of sizes, produced primarily by the Ball and Kerr corporations. Jars are available by the case, with a set of flats and rings included.
Half Pint
The Kerr company manufactures half pint jars. They have a 2.8 inch diameter, with a 3.8 inch height. Jars are available in cases of 12, with a dry weight of 7 lbs. per case. Half pint jars have a standard mouth opening and use a standard mouth ring and lid.
Pint
Bot Kerr and Bell corporations make pint jars. Standard mouth Kerr pint jars have a 3.2-inch diameter and a 5.3-inch height. A case of 12 has a shipping weight of 8 lbs. Wide-mouth Kerr pint jars have a 3.4-inch diameter and a 4.8-inch height. A case of 12 has a dry weight of 9 lbs. Standard mouth Ball pint jars have a 3.2-inch diameter and a 5.2-inch height. A case of 12 has a weight of 9 lbs. Wide-mouth Ball pint jars have a 3.5-inch diameter and a 4.9-inch height. A case of 12 weighs 10 lbs.
Quart
Both companies manufacture quart jars. Standard mouth Kerr quart jars are 4 inches in diameter and 6.9 inches tall. A case of 12 has a shipping weight of 12 lbs. Wide-mouth Kerr quart jars are 3.9 inches in diameter and 6.6 inches tall. A case of 12 has a dry weight of 14 lbs. Standard mouth Ball quart jars have a 3.5-inch diameter and a 6.9-inch height. A case of 12 has a weight of 13 lbs. Wide-mouth Ball quart jars have a 3.5-inch diameter and a 6.9-inch height. A case of 12 weighs 14 lbs.
Half-Gallon
Bell also makes half-gallon jars. These jars are designed with a wide mouth. They have a 4.4 inch diameter and a height of 9.4 inches. A case of six jars has a shipping weight of 14.5 lbs.
Jelly Jars
Jelly jars are available in an 8-oz. size from both Kerr and Ball. Ball also produces 4-oz. jelly jars. Both Kerr and Ball jelly jars have a 3-inch diameter, with a 3.4 inch height. A dozen Kerr jars has a shipping weight of 3.5 lbs. A dozen Ball jars has a weight of 4 lbs. Four-ounce Ball jelly jars have a 2.9-inch diameter and a height of 2.3 inches. The dry weight for a dozen jars is 3 lbs.
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Writer Bio
Misty Barton has been working in the fields of composition and journalism for over 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in English education and a Master of Arts in English and composition. She has written for various online publications including a blog that specifically addresses the concerns of work-at-home mothers.