Question:

Hello – I have a Mason Fruit Jar and I am curious about the size.  I have seen quart, 1/2 gallon and 1 gallon sizes.  I measured the volume of this jar to be 96 ounces (12 cups) up to the top.  Was there ever a 3/4 gallon size made?  I have included a photo (unfortunately the jar has a hairline crack across the front).  I would also like to know the value with this defect.  Thanks so much for your time.

Sue.

Answer:

Sue, in all of my Red Wing books, they only list the three sizes of the Red Wing Mason jars. They are the quart, 1/2 gal and gallon size.  Now we know that a gallon holds 128 ounces and 1/2 gallon is 64 ounces.  When you can, you are never suppose to fill a fruit jar to it’s top.  So with this being said, I am guessing that this jar should be the 1/2 gallon size, but could be mistaken.  Either way, with the crack in the front, the value is quite low.  Maybe $50 at best.  Now if indeed this is a 3/4 gallon Red Wing Mason jar, then the value with the crack would be higher and could go anywhere from $225 to $1000 depending on what a collector would pay for an oddball size.  It would take a well advertised auction to realize the true value when the gavel falls. Al Kohlman