Cracker jars—also known as lacy, lancet, or lancer jars—are small bottles with a stopper and a metal, wooden, or glass lid. These jars can be made of glass, metal, or earthenware, but all are small and have the characteristic metal lid with an attached clamp that opens and closes. Cracker jar production began around 1860 and extended through the 1920s. There are many cracker jars; however, those made to hold lances are especially popular today in antique circles. Cracker jar production was usually marked on the bottom of the jar with either initials or a number code representing the manufacturer. This article will explain how to determine the age of your lance cracker jar by inspecting its lid for characteristics that indicate its age.

What’s a Lance?

A lance was a type of bloodletting instrument made of wood, glass, or metal to draw blood from a patient. Throughout history, bloodletting was a common medical practice used to treat various illnesses, including fevers and headaches. During the late 19th century, lance cracker jars held blood-letting instruments, such as lancets, blood-collecting tubes, and needles. Lancet jars were popular among doctors and their patients because they made it easier to take blood samples and collect blood samples. In addition to holding lancets, lance cracker jars were used to hold small pills, cough drops, and even perfume.

Identifying Age of a Cracker Jar by Decade

Cracker jar production began in the late 1860s. The jars underwent several changes during the following decades until production ceased in the early 20th century. Based on the style of the lid and the markings on the jar’s body, it is possible to approximate the age of a jar. Decade Markings: 1862-1872 – Early lance cracker jars were produced between 1862 and 1872.

The lids on these jars are characterized by one or two patent dates and the initials “W.B.” The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “W. B. CO.” or “W. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”. Decade Markings: 1873-1882 – Cracker jars produced between 1873 and 1882 have a single patent date indicating the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”. The tops of these jars have a patent date that is most likely from 1873 or 1874.

Decade Markings: 1883-1892 – The lids on jars manufactured between 1883 and 1892 have a patent date that indicates the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”. Decade Markings: 1893-1902 – Cracker jars produced between 1893 and 1902 have a patent date that indicates the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”.

Summary

Cracker jars are small bottles with a stopper and a metal, wooden, or glass lid. Cracker jar production began around 1860 and extended through the 1920s. There are many cracker jars; however, those made to hold lances are especially popular today in antique circles. Decade Markings: 1862-1872 – Early lance cracker jars were produced between 1862 and 1872. The lids on these jars are characterized by one or two patent dates and the initials “W.B.” The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “W. B. CO.” or “W. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”.

Decade Markings: 1873-1882 – Cracker jars produced between 1873 and 1882 have a single patent date indicating the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”. The tops of these jars have a patent date that is most likely from 1873 or 1874. Decade Markings: 1883-1892 – The lids on jars manufactured between 1883 and 1892 have a patent date that indicates the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”. Decade Markings: 1893-1902 – Cracker jars produced between 1893 and 1902 have a patent date that indicates the jar’s age. The jars have a round or oval body with the base markings “H. B. CO.” or “H. B. CO. WYNNE BROS.”.