old storage type jar that isn't a ball mason

You appear to have a nice Battery Jar. These were used for a number of years in a variety of areas, such as on ships, for example, to store the acid and two plates that were attached to the lid and lowered into the acid bath. You will see them now most in old war movies dealing with submarines as they tend to emphasize the fact that chlorine gas is generated when they break and mix with sea water (adds excitement). Be careful rinsing them out, if it's dried battery acid you don't really want it on the skin, in the eyes or breathing it into the lungs!!!! Garry

Here's a similar one fully assembled: http://www.edisonian.com/p007b003.htm and another style: http://fabclub.freeyellow.com/Jar_Display/D07.JPG Hope this helps. Looks like they retail for about $30 -$40, more if they have the tops.

thanks for the help, you guys. and especially that stuff about being careful about cleaning it. I had cleaned it some before I found that out, though. Yikes. I'm glad I didn't clean it in the Ocean for some odd reason. nice little tie in with the movie info, too. now, I know to clean it carefully the rest of the way and about what to start it out at on ebay. I haven't used this jar as an art prop, although I do like using old things. one of my favorite pieces is this pale green vase I found on a dig. the top is broken off, and somehow the thing got pierced right through the middle of the body and didn't get destroyed in the process. anyhow, I've got a small set of pictures I'm doing with that piece only. it's perfect, I couldn't have made a better prop myself. anyhow, I get a little off the subject and onto the subject of art sometimes. I'll shut up now. Thanks again, though. Take care, Emily.