Fruit Jar Lid
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This excavated fruit jar lid or "patented self-sealing closure for metal preserving cans" was new to the market in the mid 1850's. It was recovered in the area of Brandy Station with other Civil war relics. Along its outer top and bottom rim, in raised letters, is "WELLS & PROVOST / "PROPRIETORS N.Y." with "SPRATT'S PATENT / JULY 18. / 1854" found in the center. It measures approximately 60 mm and weighs approximately 3 ounces. Its interior threads appear to be in excellent condition. An example is pictured in "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War Supplement One" by Stanley S. Phillips on page 179 as item 10. Its description states:
"Metal cans were first used for home canning in the late 1840's. At that time they were not self-sealing and had to be soldered for closure. In 1853-54 several new patents for closing cans were issued. These new methods were very popular but short-lived for preserving of food at home. In 1859, the glass food jar with patented metal lids came on the market, thus causing a steady decline in the sales of home preserving cans."
Another excavated example with a different manufacturer and patent is found in "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch on page 26, item 5.
Scans of the above mentioned pages are included in the additional images along with examples of an entire can, its cap, a drawing of shorter can and its cap, and an advertisement for the Wells & Provost factory in New York. This fruit jar lid or "patented self-sealing closure for metal preserving cans" will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC7382
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