Fruit Jar Lid - "Spratt's Patent 1854 July 18."
SOLD
Fruit jar lids or "patented self-sealing closure for metal preserving cans", such as this one, were new to the market in the mid 1850's. On the top of this excavated lid, in raised letters, is "WELLS & PROVOST / "PROPRIETORS N.Y." with "SPRATT'S PATENT / JULY 18. / 1854" found in the center. On the inside of the lid in blue ink is printed "UNION CAMPSITE / STAFFORD C.H. / 1970". Its diameter measures approximately 2-3/8 inches (60mm) and weighs approximately 3-1/4 ounces. It is slightly out of round and there is a small amount of concreted residue on the threads. It has an overall grey patina with a partial light layer of white and brown surface residue. Other than a couple of very tiny nicks and small dent in the bottom rim edge, the lid has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. An example of this type lid 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 of a different design, 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", recovered in Stafford County, VA., was acquired directly from the family of the digger who hunted several Virginia Civil War sites during his lifetime. It will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War campsite or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC9866
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