Expert: Bob Berry - 1/6/2012

Question
I just recently purchased this large jar at an estate sale.
It is Heavy glass Marked Pyrex with TM REG US PAT OFF  MADE IN USA
50006 It is rectangle in shape and Measures 13H x 8 x 5 1/2 approx. it also has inverted type handles on the side, the jar seems to maybe have had some kind of top that is missing,,it has some kind of water mark about 3 inches from the top..so it appears it held liquid,,Can You give me some information of what this is and maybe the approx value,,thanks Lois

Answer
Hi Lois --

What you have is a battery jar.  These would normally have a porcelain lid and internal works for a lead-acid battery.  The fluid would be battery acid and the "works" were lead and carbon to generate current.  The water mark is for the desired acid level.  Most of these that still exist have had the "works" removed as yours does.  The works would hang from the center of the lid.  Here is a link to a similar example without works, but with a lid:

http://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=3481&aid=37214&lid=9993491

These were typically used for telephone systems and Rail Road signals.  These are collectible and the value is highest if they are complete or at least have the lid, I'd figure maybe $40 or so for yours.  Pyrex glass was made by the Corning Glass Works in Corning N.Y.   

         Hope this helps!  Thanks, --Bob