Collectible Feature: Welch's Jelly Jars

Today, I will explore a favorite antique of mine: jelly jars. :)

Available in my eBay store :)

Have you ever drank out of a jelly jar?

The perfect little size for little hands, Welch's jelly jars featuring designs, cartoon characters and more have been on the market since the 1953, over 60 years. Welch's first decided to market their jelly jars with designs after realizing that people were saving the jars after the jelly was gone to drink out of. It was smart - people would buy extra jelly just to round out their collection.

Coming in various shapes, sizes and colors, the first series featured Howdy Doody.

From VintageGypsies on Etsy

Welch's would then release new designs every few years, making them become a collector's item. Jelly jars are made of thicker glass, so most have stood the test of time (and the test of children). In an age where disposable is en vogue, nothing beats the nostalgia of drinking from a jelly jar. As things like BPA, found in plastics are studied and found to have adverse affects, a glass provides a bit of safety in knowing that they have most not likely broke down with use.

A good condition jelly jar will have a bright picture, free of fading or clouding. Clouding that you may see on these is typically a result of being run through a dishwasher or being left in the sun. Never put jelly jars in dishwashers if you're able to avoid it.

Via Google Images - a faded design on a jelly jar

Some of the jelly jars in existence hold value. To hold any value, though, it must be in pristine condition.

1. Check the design. Is it faded, scratched, or even missing pieces?
2. Run your finger (carefully...!) around the lip, inside and out. Does it have any chips?
3. Give it another look - is there any cracks, is the bottom faded or cloudy?

Typically, the older, the more rare. But, various designs like the Pokemon characters may find returning popularity, as Pokemon has had a resurgence in popularity recently. A single "Charmander" Pokemon sold at auction recently for $20. A series of Looney Tunes jars sold for nearly $50.

Every once in a while, I run across some in my travels. Check out the ones I have in stock today in my eBay store!

eBay Listings Widget from Auction Nudge