Question about blue canning jars?

[tkkmasky]

I was given a box of Ball quart sized canning jars that are a pretty blue color.

My question is.....are they safe to can stuff in? Dh thinks they may not be safe to can with because of the color (?) like it may be lead or something. (sorry if this is a dumb question)

I assume they are old jars because I've never seen ones like that before. They look just like the new kind of Ball canning jars that you can buy except for the color.

I tried looking on Yahoo for any info but couldn't find anything, so I was hoping someone here would know.

Thank you!

[sdlee]

From the Ball website:


For inquiries specifically related to old Ball jars, you may contact Richard Cole, curator of the home canning jar collection at the Minnetrista Cultural Center, 1200 North Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie, IN 47303-2925, Phone: (765) 282-4848, Ext. 117

[mcshelll]

I think they are safe to can in, but I would not do it. They have more value as a collectable. The blue color jars are very much wanted by collectors. A box of canning jars are really very cheap, if you want to can. Check out supplies at WalMart. I do can, but have not bought jars in a few years. One time my nephew got me 300 jars at a flea market for just a few bucks. If you do choose to use them for canning, check them closely for cracks or nicks.