What is this??

[VaChick]

This is a small jar with a smooth screw lip, 2 1/2" tall, 3" wide with an oval 'insert' that is 7/8"x1 1/8". It is clear with the following embossing:
outside ringATENTED UNITED STATES AND ENGLAND SEPT 5 1899
inside ring:MAY 23 1899 CANADA
center: 534
The embossing is squeezed together every whichway to get all the words/numbers in.

I've looked in books and on-line but haven't found anything similar, the more I look, the curiouser I get.

Does anyone know what this is, and/or where I can find more information about it.

Thanks
VaChick

 

[VaChick]

I was way off -- I was guessing it had something to do with food -- I guess that's why I could never find anything about it!

Now -- to look at inkwells.

Thanks
VaChick

 

[diginit]

Just a wild guess, but i'm thinking a perculator top.

 

[VaChick]

Diginit -- good idea, who knows -- I did look at lots of inkwell sites, and a type used in school look a bit similar, but the insert looks round, but it is close. . . .

Ah, well, I guess some things are always a 'mystery'.

Thanks

 

[woody]

I believe the insert is an immerser used in fruit jars.
I think your jar is a fruit jar.

 

[kumtow]

Hey Guys,
I have no idea what it is, but hey Woody why would a fruit jar have an immerser???

 

[woody]

An immerser is used to get the air out of the jar before you seal the lid when canning.
It helps prevent spoilage.

 

[VaChick]

Woody -- I'm lookin at this whatever it is, and I don't think it it could be used for getting air out of the jar because the inside oval is hollow. The jar would actually be good for storing tiny donuts with oval holes! Or, for that matter, maybe spiced apple rings with oval holes. . .

Are there some things that just remain mysteries?

BTW, since I washed it (in room temperature water) and photoed it, (I haven't handled it since) the insert is now showing cracks -- pratically disintegrating before my eyes. []

Perhaps this explains why there's not many of these whatzits around -- they must've broken very easily.

Thanks
vachick

 

[woody]

You're right.
I now see that the insert is not removable from the jar, as immersers are.
My mistake.[]
Although, most patent dates on jars like yours have to do with fruit jars.

 

[diginit]

(1) fill the inside chamber with baking soda.
(2) fill the outer ring halfway with vinegar.
(3) screw on the cap
(4) shake vigoruosly.
(5) place on ground.
(6) run like hell-It's a grenade