ESA MEMBER MARK BENBOW IS WRITING A HISTORY OF FOWLER’S VACOLA [AUSTRALIA] AND GEO FOWLER, LEE & CO [UK].
HE EXPLAINS HOW HE GOT INTERESTED; WHAT HE KNOWS; WHAT HE IS LOOKING FOR.
“Fowler’s vacuum cover bottles”. Geo. Fowler, Lee & Co., Ltd. Stapled pamphlet, in the form to be posted [trade catalogue], 21.8 x 14.1 cm; black and white, 1923. Collection of Mark Benbow. This item illustrates some of the bottle designs and the spring clip closure. The bottle numbering system and design is as used in Australia by Fowler’s Vacola.
We asked Mark how he became interested in Fowler’s Vacola and he advised that:
Bizarre really. It snow-balled from seeing a No 65. It’s aesthetics appealed (serious collectors find them incredibly boring) and it had numbers on the base which were and are a bit of a mystery to everyone. Thus a kind of number obsession resulted in hoarding, cross referencing and working out a chronology for both the Australian Glass Manufacturers factories and Fowlers Vacola. Then of course was the realisation that there was much more to the Vacola story that most people are unaware of, that it had a English link, and that the inventions and patents were actually those of Joseph’s uncle, George Fowler.
Mark is looking for material relating to: Fowlers Vacola; Geo Fowler and Lee [UK]; Joseph Fowler; George Fowler; Elizabeth Lee; bottling; preserving; and Australian glass plants.The origins of Fowler’s Vacola were in Camberwell, Victoria, in 1915. The company is still trading. They have a website of course and a cute story book about the company but with very little detail or hard history.
‘Fruit all the year round: Fowlers Vacola fruit bottling outfits’. Circa 1930s-40s. Trade catalogue. Image is back cover of stapled pamphlet, 21.4 x 13.8 cm. Full colour cover only. Collection of Mark Benbow.
Mark Benbow writes:
Competition won
Nicholas Appert won the prize offered by Napoleon Bonaparte for developing a methodology for preserving food. For the containers, he selected glass and applied the principles of prolonged heating [sterilisation] and the creation of an air-tight seal [he used a cork inserted by a vice; see his book “L’Art de conserver les substances animales et végétales”, published in 1810.
Building on Appert’s methodology in the 19th century and into the early 20th century, people experimented with bottle design, closure and finish; including Mason [US], Kilner [UK] and Wick [Germany] jars and bottles. (See the excellent site of the Society for Historical Archaeology.
The First Fowler
Toward the very end of the 19th century, George Fowler, a soldier who served in the British Royal Army Medical Corp and Regular Army, invented field cooking stoves and registered new patents for a food bottling and preserving system, that subsequently became widely used in Britain.
“Fowler’s Fruit Vegetable & Game Bottling Outfits”. Geo. Fowler, Lee and Co., Ltd. Folded brochure [trade catalogue], 1937. 19.5 x 12.3 cm. Full colour cover only. This is reproduced with kind permission of the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums. Note the similarity of this cover page and the early 1930s Fowler Vacola trade catalogue for the 1932-1933 season.His bottles had unique spring metal clips that held a metal or glass cover with rubber ring to effect an air-tight closure. George was a man who had a great sense of civic duty and was regarded as a pioneer of the British bottling industry.
Joseph Fowler comes to Australia in 1912
In 1912, Joseph Fowler, his nephew and a director of Geo. Fowler, Lee & Co. Ltd, came out to Australia to set up his own bottling business that eventually grew to become the iconic Fowler’s Vacola Pty Ltd. George Fowler suggested Joseph leave for Australia, possibly because of the deteriorating situation in Europe, but also because of the “promise of a land of plenty”. He gave his nephew the patents to his business before he set off at age 24 with his young bride.
Cover page of trade catalogue. Fowlers Patent “Vacola” vacuum fruit and vegetable Bottling Outfits produced by Fowler’s Vacola Pty Ltd, 1932. Stapled pamphlet; 21.4 x 13.8 cm; [full colour cover only]. Collection of Graham Stockfeld, and reproduced with his kind permission. Joseph Fowler soon realised that the quality of the Australian produce was excellent and this may have finally made up his mind to settle in Melbourne. In 1915 he started trading under J. Fowler, then in 1920 the company Fowler’s Vacola was registered.
“Mrs B Thrifty says – practise the new domestic economy by installing a Fowlers Vacola bottling outfit in your home”. Trade catalogue for the1935-36 fruit season. Front cover of stapled pamphlet, 20.3 x 12.5 cm. Full colour cover only. Collection of Mark Benbow. Image possibly shows view of Melbourne and infers the role of preserving in the towns and cities as well as the country.
Growth in the 1930s to 1950s
Both Fowler’s Vacola Pty Ltd and Geo. Fowler, Lee & Co. Ltd developed into major companies in the 1930s to 1950s. Stan Garnsworthy, director and company secretary of ACI [formerly Australian Glass Manufacturers] said of Joseph Fowler:
His success in popularising his vacuum jar outfits against adversity is a grand story of pluck and determination. Between the years 1915-1964 the Fowler Vacola Company had expanded into a great Canning Company.
“Fowlers Vacola: A story of progress” published by Fowlers Vacola Manufacturing Company Limited, circa 1935. Stapled pamphlet; 21.1 x 13.7 cm. Full colour cover only. Collection of Mark Benbow. This rare document records many of the food products of the company and the type of container employed.
There were similar social and economic pressures on both companies that drove growth and that eventually led to their decline. The British company extended its business into related merchandise such as cooking pans, fruit and vegetable slicers, whilst Fowler’s Vacola sold an extensive range of food product as well as the preserving equipment. Interestingly both companies appeared to have grown in total isolation of one another.
“Yodel” product advertising for dried full cream milk powder from Fowler’s Vacola. Circa 1938. Colour; size unknown. Collection of Paul Walsh [Australian Bottle Forum], published with his kind permission. The question of why the local Australian company appeared to have distanced itself from its British counterpart is still to be answered. There is an online debate about the links between the two, read about it.
Research for a book about George and Joseph Fowler and their companies
Remarkably little is known about George Fowler and his British company.
Apart from Victoria Peel’s entry for Joseph in TheAustralian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 14, (MUP), 1996, little has been published about Joseph Fowler and the Australian Fowler’s Vacola business either.
As the 100 year anniversary of Fowler’s Vacola approaches, I am writing a book about the Fowlers and their companies. I will be looking at why George Fowler did not attempt to build what may have become a multinational company or why indeed, Joseph Fowler appeared to go it alone here in Australia. I am compiling chronologies of glass bottle manufacturing and making a comparison between the glass designs and how they met local demands.
Ephemeral sources sought for the book
Trade catalogues, advertising material and related ephemera provide vital sources for helping to put the story together. They help, for example, to piece together a chronology for first and last appearances of manufactured products and they also draw attention to products that may otherwise remain unrecorded. It is remarkable just how unaware most people are that the grocer shops of the 1930s to 1950s must have stocked many Fowler’s Vacola products such as bottled fruits, chutneys, sauces, milk powder, honey, lemon butter, plum pudding, et cetera.
A request for help is made for any material that might be relevant, including trade catalogues covering the period 1920-1932.
A fine display of some of the Fowler’s Vacola range of bottles. Published with kind permission of David Smith [Australian Bottle Forum]. Central shelf displays glass milk billy with lid, No.s 15, 30, 33 and 45 jars to the right with glass covers and VV clips apparent on the short No. 15. To the left of the billy is the 1 imperial quart bottle and cordial far left. On the lower shelf are bottles of various sizes with metal and glass covers and standard spring clip closure of one.
Comments
Debbie Nankervissays
Hi,
We have found a number of Fowler jars which are like new but very old and unusual. They all have screw tops. Some are brown glass and the tin lids say Lions.
I have a lady’s recipe file (1900 – 1940) and in it is a hangable 13cm x 21 cm cardboard advert for Fowlers patent: Apparatus for bottling fruit, cooking food by steam, steam cooking stand and on the reverse, Cherry stoner, French bean slicer, marmalade machine and fruit slicer.. Contact me and I can send a photo.
I have an old milk billy with aluminium markers on the lid 2 21/2 etc on them. It has markings to 3 pts on the side. Just wondering how old it might be . It’s called Fowlers vacola milk billy
Have just moved house and was thinking of selling some of my Fowlers bottles. Some were my grandmother’s and mother’s and would be well over 60 years old. Some are marked 1952 on the base and are green and some have the writing down the side (Rd. No 16765), while others have various other marks on the bases. Before I do part with some, I’m wondering what these marks mean? I also have an old recipe/instruction book. i started off with mum’s old stove top unit but then purchased an electric unit which I could then use outside, which didn’t hot-up an already hot house in the summer. Any suggestions on how to date my old bottles please?
Hi, I found some very old glass batteries under our house and a Fowlers no 30 jar. I suspect that the jar had been used as a replacement battery case. I haven’t found any info about the no 30 jar and would like to know when it was made. It’s branded M832 and AGM on its base. Thanks Bruce
I have some old small fowlers jars and also fowlers glass lids. I have been told you don’t use normal clips with the glass lids but even after contacting fowlers who couldn’t provide me with a picture of what I need. I am hoping someone out there can show me what I should be using and will it matter if I use the normal clips?
Hi Julie, bit late with a reply but I only found this sight tonight. The glass lids require a different clip to the normal fowlers clip used for the tin lids. They are bigger and and rounder on the bent corners of the clips. Hope this helps you. cheers Grahame
Hi Jenny, they were first made in the 1930’s and the value varies when they are sold. I have seen them make over $400 and I have seen them make as little as $150. Don’t ask why but it probably depends on who wants one at the time and what condition it is in. Let me know if you want to sell it and I can point you towards an auction site that might get you the most money. Cheers Grahame
I was hoping someone may be able to help me value a couple of items I have :
1. My 6 lovely FV glass jars with glass lids (no clips). The writing on the jars say “Fowlers Patent Vacola Home Preserving Jar No: 45.” The glass lids say “Fowlers Patent” – excellent condition.
2. I also have a vintage FV stove top complete bottling outfit that is actually Brand New. It is orange with a yellow lid and contains 12 x size 27 jars, clips, lids and seals (all in original packaging), a thermometer and a bottle brush. Cook book included. On the front it says: “Fowlers Vacola Reg Trade Mark Preserving Sterilizer Model Code D2”
Anyone got ideas of its history or worth would be really appreciated…
Amanda We hope people using the site may respond. We have also passed your inquiry on to a member interested in Fowlers. It will be up to him whether he replies to you of course. Regards
Hello Amanda, Thank you for your inquiry. Your six No 45 jars were manufactured during the 1920’s to early 1930’s. Depending on the embossed numbers on the base [if visible] will indicate more exactly time of manufacture. The glass factory of AGM where they were made was Spotswood, Melbourne. Lucky to have 6! Regard the clips, these are extremely hard to get hold of unfortunately….so good luck there. Regard value, with the glass lids $20-45. With clips double the price range.
The Company made the sterilisers from around 1915 on. Could not say exactly when yours was made, maybe 1960’s or 1970’s [the cook book will help pin it down]. Regard value, say $50.
Hi Mark Sorry for delay in saying thank you so much for the interesting information. If you have a moment to respond, I found he numbers on the jars they are 5’s and 2’s.
The Fowlers recipe book says it is the “twenty eighth revised edition” Fowlers Vacola Division of Hooper Bailie Industries Ltd. Station Street, Nunawading, Vic 3131
Does this shed any further light? Thanks for your generous help. Cheers Amanda
Hello Amanda, The numbers 2 and 5 are mould numbers [the numbers we really need are on the base, but are unfortunately rarely readable]. Thus the glass machine had the capacity to manufacture at least 5 units consecutively. The 28th ed was published in the 1970’s well after the No 45 jars ceased production and after Fowlers Vacola had been taken over by Hooper Bailie. Cheers, Mark.
Ok, thanks again. Really appreciate your time. Cheers Amanda
Simonsays
Hi Mark I have been both collecting and using Fowlers Vacola for the last 15 years. My collecting has become a bit of an obsession with my intention to collect all jars produced. I currently have aproximatly 40 dozen jars ranging is sizes including numbers 3, 10, 19, 20, 27, 28, 31, 36, 200 1 pint bottles and a juicer. I also have a couple of boilers full and junior size and an entire number 2 outfit still in its box from the factory never unwraped. There is also utensils rings, clips, lids and various literature. I am always probing around at markets and trash and treasure to find bargins.
Hi Simon, I have only just looked at this site trying to find out about the brown jars. Mum and I have been having a clean out and put some on eBay and are amazed at the response! What is so special with the brown ones?
Mum and I have been having a clear out and we found some brown size 26 jars. I listed them for auction and the response has been startling. What is so special about the amber coloured jars? Cheers Sandy
These amber-coloured No 36 bottles were manufactured at the “Australia Glass Manufactures” Spotswood Melbourne, no earlier than 4th July 1946 and probably late 1940’s in fact. The early limit is based on the manufacturers number for the client [namely F1357] which is bench-marked by glass engineer records. The rarity is a result of these bottles being produced from one run in the newly extended factory, based on a unique batch number.
Cleaning out my mother’s back shed we found some brown no 31’s, are these rare too? Also found a bunch of flat bottomed no 3 clips which I hadn’t seen before, I thought they were all bow shaped.
Liluella Walshsays
I recently picked up two amber number 36 jars from an op shop, with f1357 on the bottom as well as the numbers 630 and 0 and a capital M. Would you know the history and or value of these, reading this page I understand they are quite rare? Thanks for a very informative site too!
mbedesays
“Thanks for your enquiry Liluella, These amber coloured No 36 jars were manufactured at the Australian Glass Manufacturers Spotswood, Melbourne, glass factory. Time of manufacture is sometime from mid-1946 to say 1950. M on the jars base is for the Melbourne glass factory. The number F1357 is the client number allocated by the glass manufacturer. And the number 630 is the batch number. Value of Fowler Vacola jars has dropped in recent times; say between $30 and $50. Best regards, Mark”.
marksays
Hans, the amber 31’s are not as rare. Is it possible to email me an image of the 3 inch clips? Cheers.
1. No idea, I’ve never used them. I use ball mason jars and though you’re not suopespd to re-use them I have and still got a tight seal. I suspect with ongoing use they may not seal properly.pity is you don’t know until you give it a shot, and if they don’t seal then you need to either re-preserve with proper new rings or eat before they go off. Not ideal either way.2. I don’t believe they have a use by date, more of a best before. But don’t take my word for it.3. Depends on how they are preserved. If not salted or in vinegar then they could be a botulism risk I suspect. Not trying to scare you though, and if they have always preserved them like that and no one in their family has died I would guess you have a good chance of surviving too.4. No, not on its own. Oil to seal pesto or tomato paste can work by excluding air and preventing aerobic organisms from amazing a home in your delicious goods, thereby keeping them in good eating states for longer. However, for anything you want to keep for a long time (months if not years) needs to exclude not only air by preserving in oil (or water, or syrup) but prevent anaerobic organisms, the most well known being the botulism causing bacteria, which requires either a very salty, very acid or very sweet solution, and sometimes a combination thereof. So you can use oil, but you need to treat what you are preserving with either salt or vinegar first, before using your oil to exclude air.5. I’ve heard the use of tweezers to ensure the perfect distribution of peel is not uncommon. I don’t know how they have the patience myself.Loving that the top 5 has made a comeback. No pressure though.
Hi, I have some metal vacum discs rather like kilners marked “first” Fowlers Lee, I wondered how old they are and whether you use them with metal rings and rubber bands. Many thanks, Candace Franklin
Hello I have a solid copper Fowlers Steriliser de Luxe G 7243. I’m wondering if anyone can tell me the era of that unit? Kind regards and many thanks for your site.
Hi Mark, I have some 1 pint fruit juice bottles with ceramic clip lids with fowlers vacola written on the lid. Do you know how old they are?, thanks in advance, Sally
Hi. I have a book called how to bottle by geo fowler. It is red soft back with a doubled sided photo of the man on the front cover. Is this of any help for your research?
Hello, I have been given a lot of Fowlers jars and I have been sorting them out and trying to identify the ages of them. Some are heavier than others, plus some with the same size stamp are slightly different in height. There area number of green ones in various sizes. There are also some markings on the bottom of many of them which I think may indicate how old the bottle is.
Does anyone know when they ceased production of the green tinted bottles? Some are paler/darker than others.
Some of the markings on the bottom read – IS531 3, IS1475 3, F1354 M, M107 M 5, T8 IS531 2. Do these marks give a further indication of age and if so what are the years?
I also have 25 3inch glass lids. Does anyone know when they stopped producing them?
Hi! I am looking for a copy of the Fowlers recipe book from the 1930’s, anyone got one they would like to sell, or know where I might find one? Thanks!
There are a number of ways you might look for this type of book. Do you know the Books for Cooks in Melbourne. Their website is at http://www.booksforcooks.com.au/. Their telephone number is 03 8415 1415. An ESA member and regular at our fairs is Mark Burgess with his Book Barn in Earlswood. You can contact Mark, telephone (W): 0417 065 089 mobile: 0417 065 089 email: markfb@bigpond.net.au.
Hi there, I’ve just been given a Fowlers Vacola Cook – a – Chook. Brand new in box. I can’t find any info anywhere about this multi purpose baking dish/preserving pan. Does anyone know where I can look , or have any information for me please 🙂
Hello, is anyone interested in making an offer on a Fowlers Vacola D2 ? (with original stickers). Complete with original thermometer and box, 17 clips and some rings and lids. Can supply photos on request. Thanks!
I’ve got dozens of glass covers, but I can’t seem to find any information about when they started and finished making them. I’ve got two sizes of the glass covers (4″ and 3″), and both old and unused (still in new paper bags) clips for both sizes. Would love to know more about them.
Hi I was hoping someone could help me with approximate dates for various jars. No: 65 – #10086/#10088 No: 36 – #1303/#M195 No: 27 – #A1170 (the only dated one – 1953)/#F1355/#M106/#2/#5/#6/#8/#10/#T333/ No: 73 – #I.S.533 No: 31 – #I.S.1477/#F1356/#M197/#0/#2/#6 No: 20 – #F1354 (green & clear)/#M107/#3/#5/#6/#8. Any help would be appreciated. Also have intact paper packets of ‘Kleer View’ transparent preserve covers with labels – have photos for dating. Had a very old recipe book that was falling apart but photographed all including the ads & there were dozens. Am willing to send photos to any who are interested. Thanks again Viv
Hi Mark I’ve come across some old Fowlers merchandise from my great grandmother. Most of the jars seem to be quite common although I can’t find much about the age/value of the 73s and 74s. I’ve got a beautiful old stovestop Vacola (S.46646) that still has its box with accessories and it’s book that says it’s a 22nd edition. Does the books edition help indicate it’s age?
I have a large no 320 jar I hear they are quite rare and I couldn’t find anything on the Internet about them. Does anyone know anything about this jar?
I have a Vacola jam jar sealing machine and some bottles labelled Fowlers Vacola Jam Jar 1lb. I have only 1 lid labelled Vacola Jam Jar Cover, Gripard, 2 and 7/8 inch. Are the lids still available? I have checked the Fowlers Vacola website and online but can’t find any information or mention of the jam jars and the sealing machine. I gather the jam jars themselves haven’t been made since the 1950’s. Does anyone have any information about the jam jars and the sealer? Are they valuable or rare?
I have a copper Fowlers Vacola sterilizer No. 2709 can anyone tell me how old it might be and It’s value. I also have 2 other stove top sterilisers No 17925 which I’ve used every year for 20 yrs and a larger one No 28942. Thank you
Just curious about some No.27 we have, some appear to have a CWA logo embossed on the base. Anybody know anyting about a tie in? It sounds like a natural partnership.
Hello, we have 2 original Fowlers Vacola advertising posters that we would like to know their $ value. They were found in a hardware shop approx 30 years ago when it was closing down. I’d like to send you photos of them.
Hi. I just aquired some Fowlers jars. Number 48 with IS88 embossed on the bottom with what looks like a crown? I cant find any information at all on these and it does not even appear on the fowlers size guide. Are you able to give me any information? Thanks.
Hi, just saying hello as I am researching my family tree and my great grandmother’s sister married Joseph Fowler. My aunty also headed out to Australia just after she got married in the 1950’s. Interesting to read all about the Fowler story. Thank you. Beccy UK
Fowlers is a mainstay of home preserving here – everyone knows it – just been given a couple of jars of relish from a friend – made in her mother’s Fowlers equipment
Hi, I have a Fowler’s Vacola Juicer at home. Do you know where I can find more information about these juicers? Am interested to know what period it was made and how many were made. Any guidance would be appreciated. Mitch.
![“Fowler's vacuum cover bottles”. Geo. Fowler, Lee & Co., Ltd. Stapled pamphlet, in the form to be posted [trade catalogue], 21.8 x 14.1 cm; black and white, 1923. Collection of Mark Benbow. This item illustrates some of the bottle designs and the spring clip closure. The bottle numbering system and design is as used in Australia by Fowler’s Vacola.](http://www.ephemerasociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/vacola-adCrop-e1404975301246.jpg)
![“Fowler’s Fruit Vegetable & Game Bottling Outfits”. Geo. Fowler, Lee and Co., Ltd. Folded brochure [trade catalogue], 1937. 19.5 x 12.3 cm. Full colour cover only. This is reproduced with kind permission of the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Collection. Note the similarity of this cover page and the early 1930s Fowler Vacola trade catalogue for the 1932-1933 season.](http://www.ephemerasociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MB-Vacola02-e1404974545599.jpg)
![Cover page of trade catalogue. Fowlers Patent “Vacola” vacuum fruit and vegetable Bottling Outfits produced by Fowler’s Vacola Pty Ltd, 1932. Stapled pamphlet; 21.4 x 13.8 cm; [full colour cover only?] Collection of Graham Stockfeld, and reproduced with his kind permission.](http://www.ephemerasociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MBe-Vacola-B.Thrifty-with-lots-of-jars-e1405214628253.jpg)
![“Yodel” product advertising for dried full cream milk powder from Fowler’s Vacola. Circa 1938. Colour; size unknown. Collection of Paul Walsh [Australian Bottle Forum], published with his kind permission.](http://www.ephemerasociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MB-Yodelmilk-e1404974848464.jpg)
![A fine display of some of the Fowler’s Vacola range of bottles. Published with kind permission of David Smith [Australian Bottle Forum]. Central shelf displays glass milk billy with lid, No.s 15, 30, 33 and 45 jars to the right with glass covers and VV clips apparent on the short No. 15. To the left of the billy is the 1 imperial quart bottle and cordial far left. On the lower shelf are bottles of various sizes with metal and glass covers and standard spring clip closure of one.](http://www.ephemerasociety.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/MB-Vacola01-e1404978206105.jpg)
Debbie Nankervis says
Hi,
We have found a number of Fowler jars which are like new but very old and unusual.
They all have screw tops. Some are brown glass and the tin lids say Lions.
Can you please tell me how old they might be?
kind regards,
Debbie Nankervis
Ian Barnard says
I have a lady’s recipe file (1900 – 1940) and in it is a hangable 13cm x 21 cm cardboard advert for Fowlers patent: Apparatus for bottling fruit, cooking food by steam, steam cooking stand and on the reverse, Cherry stoner, French bean slicer, marmalade machine and fruit slicer.. Contact me and I can send a photo.
mbede says
Please send a photo and more information if you gave a query.
Jan Tyne says
I have a George Fowler Lee Sterilizer complete with thermometer.
Are there any collectors that might be interested? How can I best dispose of it if anyone would like it or are interested in Fowler Lee memorabilia?
Regards
Jan Tyne
Kathleen Clarke says
Hi Jan
I am interested
regards Kathy
Pat Herrmann says
Hello to you
Could anyone tell me how old my Fowlers Preserving Kit is? The serial number is 891.
Regards
Pat
Jenny says
I have an old milk billy with aluminium markers on the lid 2 21/2 etc on them. It has markings to 3 pts on the side. Just wondering how old it might be . It’s called Fowlers vacola milk billy
mbede says
We have asked Mark if he can advise. Thanks Jenny
mark ereaut says
Hi I have got a lot of these jars from geo fowler theres a number 27 on the bottom can anyone give me any info on these please
mark
Joan Stewart says
Have just moved house and was thinking of selling some of my Fowlers bottles. Some were my grandmother’s and mother’s and would be well over 60 years old. Some are marked 1952 on the base and are green and some have the writing down the side (Rd. No 16765), while others have various other marks on the bases. Before I do part with some, I’m wondering what these marks mean? I also have an old recipe/instruction book. i started off with mum’s old stove top unit but then purchased an electric unit which I could then use outside, which didn’t hot-up an already hot house in the summer. Any suggestions on how to date my old bottles please?
mbede says
We will see if someone can help you
Bruce Donnelly says
Hi, I found some very old glass batteries under our house and a Fowlers no 30 jar. I suspect that the jar had been used as a replacement battery case.
I haven’t found any info about the no 30 jar and would like to know when it was made. It’s branded M832 and AGM on its base.
Thanks
Bruce
julie coutts says
I have some old small fowlers jars and also fowlers glass lids. I have been told you don’t use normal clips with the glass lids but even after contacting fowlers who couldn’t provide me with a picture of what I need. I am hoping someone out there can show me what I should be using and will it matter if I use the normal clips?
Thank you
Julie
mbede says
Hi Julie
I hope a member can help you.
Grahame says
Hi Julie, bit late with a reply but I only found this sight tonight. The glass lids require a different clip to the normal fowlers clip used for the tin lids. They are bigger and and rounder on the bent corners of the clips. Hope this helps you. cheers Grahame
Jenny says
I haven’t had a reply yet about my old milk bottle with aluminium markers and lid
Grahame says
Hi Jenny, they were first made in the 1930’s and the value varies when they are sold. I have seen them make over $400 and I have seen them make as little as $150. Don’t ask why but it probably depends on who wants one at the time and what condition it is in. Let me know if you want to sell it and I can point you towards an auction site that might get you the most money. Cheers Grahame
Amanda says
I was hoping someone may be able to help me value a couple of items I have :
1. My 6 lovely FV glass jars with glass lids (no clips). The writing on the jars say “Fowlers Patent Vacola Home Preserving Jar No: 45.” The glass lids say “Fowlers Patent” – excellent condition.
2. I also have a vintage FV stove top complete bottling outfit that is actually Brand New. It is orange with a yellow lid and contains 12 x size 27 jars, clips, lids and seals (all in original packaging), a thermometer and a bottle brush. Cook book included. On the front it says: “Fowlers Vacola Reg Trade Mark Preserving Sterilizer Model Code D2”
Anyone got ideas of its history or worth would be really appreciated…
mbede says
Amanda
We hope people using the site may respond. We have also passed your inquiry on to a member interested in Fowlers. It will be up to him whether he replies to you of course. Regards
Mark says
Hello Amanda,
Thank you for your inquiry. Your six No 45 jars were manufactured during the 1920’s to early 1930’s. Depending on the embossed numbers on the base [if visible] will indicate more exactly time of manufacture. The glass factory of AGM where they were made was Spotswood, Melbourne. Lucky to have 6! Regard the clips, these are extremely hard to get hold of unfortunately….so good luck there. Regard value, with the glass lids $20-45. With clips double the price range.
The Company made the sterilisers from around 1915 on. Could not say exactly when yours was made, maybe 1960’s or 1970’s [the cook book will help pin it down]. Regard value, say $50.
Hope the above helps.
Amanda says
Hi Mark
Sorry for delay in saying thank you so much for the interesting information.
If you have a moment to respond, I found he numbers on the jars they are 5’s and 2’s.
The Fowlers recipe book says it is the “twenty eighth revised edition” Fowlers Vacola Division of Hooper Bailie Industries Ltd. Station Street, Nunawading, Vic 3131
Does this shed any further light? Thanks for your generous help.
Cheers Amanda
Mark says
Hello Amanda,
The numbers 2 and 5 are mould numbers [the numbers we really need are on the base, but are unfortunately rarely readable]. Thus the glass machine had the capacity to manufacture at least 5 units consecutively.
The 28th ed was published in the 1970’s well after the No 45 jars ceased production and after Fowlers Vacola had been taken over by Hooper Bailie.
Cheers, Mark.
Amanda says
Ok, thanks again. Really appreciate your time. Cheers Amanda
Simon says
Hi Mark I have been both collecting and using Fowlers Vacola for the last 15 years. My collecting has become a bit of an obsession with my intention to collect all jars produced. I currently have aproximatly 40 dozen jars ranging is sizes including numbers 3, 10, 19, 20, 27, 28, 31, 36, 200 1 pint bottles and a juicer. I also have a couple of boilers full and junior size and an entire number 2 outfit still in its box from the factory never unwraped. There is also utensils rings, clips, lids and various literature. I am always probing around at markets and trash and treasure to find bargins.
mark says
hi Simon. Good luck with the collecting. Sing out if you need any help re filling in the gaps.
Sandy says
Hi Simon, I have only just looked at this site trying to find out about the brown jars. Mum and I have been having a clean out and put some on eBay and are amazed at the response! What is so special with the brown ones?
Sandy says
Mum and I have been having a clear out and we found some brown size 26 jars. I listed them for auction and the response has been startling. What is so special about the amber coloured jars? Cheers Sandy
mark says
hi Sandy. The amber no 36’s are rare. Cheers Mark.
ALB says
The brown bottles are, I believe, wartime bottles made from recycled beer bottles.
mark says
These amber-coloured No 36 bottles were manufactured at the “Australia Glass Manufactures” Spotswood Melbourne, no earlier than 4th July 1946 and probably late 1940’s in fact. The early limit is based on the manufacturers number for the client [namely F1357] which is bench-marked by glass engineer records. The rarity is a result of these bottles being produced from one run in the newly extended factory, based on a unique batch number.
Hans says
Cleaning out my mother’s back shed we found some brown no 31’s, are these rare too? Also found a bunch of flat bottomed no 3 clips which I hadn’t seen before, I thought they were all bow shaped.
Liluella Walsh says
I recently picked up two amber number 36 jars from an op shop, with f1357 on the bottom as well as the numbers 630 and 0 and a capital M. Would you know the history and or value of these, reading this page I understand they are quite rare? Thanks for a very informative site too!
mbede says
“Thanks for your enquiry Liluella,
These amber coloured No 36 jars were manufactured at the Australian Glass Manufacturers Spotswood, Melbourne, glass factory. Time of manufacture is sometime from mid-1946 to say 1950.
M on the jars base is for the Melbourne glass factory. The number F1357 is the client number allocated by the glass manufacturer. And the number 630 is the batch number.
Value of Fowler Vacola jars has dropped in recent times; say between $30 and $50.
Best regards, Mark”.
mark says
Hans, the amber 31’s are not as rare. Is it possible to email me an image of the 3 inch clips? Cheers.
Hans Schepers says
Image of the clips emailed!
Fer says
1. No idea, I’ve never used them. I use ball mason jars and though you’re not suopespd to re-use them I have and still got a tight seal. I suspect with ongoing use they may not seal properly.pity is you don’t know until you give it a shot, and if they don’t seal then you need to either re-preserve with proper new rings or eat before they go off. Not ideal either way.2. I don’t believe they have a use by date, more of a best before. But don’t take my word for it.3. Depends on how they are preserved. If not salted or in vinegar then they could be a botulism risk I suspect. Not trying to scare you though, and if they have always preserved them like that and no one in their family has died I would guess you have a good chance of surviving too.4. No, not on its own. Oil to seal pesto or tomato paste can work by excluding air and preventing aerobic organisms from amazing a home in your delicious goods, thereby keeping them in good eating states for longer. However, for anything you want to keep for a long time (months if not years) needs to exclude not only air by preserving in oil (or water, or syrup) but prevent anaerobic organisms, the most well known being the botulism causing bacteria, which requires either a very salty, very acid or very sweet solution, and sometimes a combination thereof. So you can use oil, but you need to treat what you are preserving with either salt or vinegar first, before using your oil to exclude air.5. I’ve heard the use of tweezers to ensure the perfect distribution of peel is not uncommon. I don’t know how they have the patience myself.Loving that the top 5 has made a comeback. No pressure though.
Candace Franklin says
Hi, I have some metal vacum discs rather like kilners marked “first” Fowlers Lee, I wondered how old they are and whether you use them with metal rings and rubber bands.
Many thanks,
Candace Franklin
mark says
hello Candace, Without seeing them it is hard to say. You can contact me if you like. Email address and phone number is at bottom of my article.
Claire says
Hello
I have a solid copper Fowlers Steriliser de Luxe G 7243. I’m wondering if anyone can tell me the era of that unit?
Kind regards and many thanks for your site.
mark says
Hello Claire, please send several images to my email address as requested earlier. Mark.
Sally says
Hi Mark, I have some 1 pint fruit juice bottles with ceramic clip lids with fowlers vacola written on the lid. Do you know how old they are?, thanks in advance, Sally
Tracy says
Hi. I have a book called how to bottle by geo fowler. It is red soft back with a doubled sided photo of the man on the front cover. Is this of any help for your research?
mark says
Hello Tracy, did you receive my email? Mark.
Karen says
Hello,
I have been given a lot of Fowlers jars and I have been sorting them out and trying to identify the ages of them. Some are heavier than others, plus some with the same size stamp are slightly different in height. There area number of green ones in various sizes. There are also some markings on the bottom of many of them which I think may indicate how old the bottle is.
Does anyone know when they ceased production of the green tinted bottles? Some are paler/darker than others.
Some of the markings on the bottom read – IS531 3, IS1475 3, F1354 M, M107 M 5, T8 IS531 2. Do these marks give a further indication of age and if so what are the years?
I also have 25 3inch glass lids. Does anyone know when they stopped producing them?
Thank you.
Robyn says
Hi! I am looking for a copy of the Fowlers recipe book from the 1930’s, anyone got one they would like to sell, or know where I might find one?
Thanks!
mbede says
There are a number of ways you might look for this type of book. Do you know the Books for Cooks in Melbourne. Their website is at http://www.booksforcooks.com.au/. Their telephone number is 03 8415 1415. An ESA member and regular at our fairs is Mark Burgess with his Book Barn in Earlswood. You can contact Mark, telephone (W): 0417 065 089 mobile: 0417 065 089 email: markfb@bigpond.net.au.
Anne says
I have 5 No 36 jars. ..greenish color. Are these collectable? Thanks
mbede says
Can you send a picture please?
Karen Vincent says
Hi there, I’ve just been given a Fowlers Vacola Cook – a – Chook. Brand new in box. I can’t find any info anywhere about this multi purpose baking dish/preserving pan. Does anyone know where I can look , or have any information for me please 🙂
mbede says
How old is this likely to be Karen? Rough guess. Thanks
Kathleen Clarke says
hi. would you be interested in selling the fowlers Cook-a-chook?
regards Kathy
Mel O'Halloran says
Hello, is anyone interested in making an offer on a Fowlers Vacola D2 ? (with original stickers). Complete with original thermometer and box, 17 clips and some rings and lids. Can supply photos on request. Thanks!
mbede says
Hi Mel, unless you are a member of our society you can’t use our site as a way of selling material, Sorry
Michelle says
I’ve got dozens of glass covers, but I can’t seem to find any information about when they started and finished making them. I’ve got two sizes of the glass covers (4″ and 3″), and both old and unused (still in new paper bags) clips for both sizes. Would love to know more about them.
mbede says
We have asked Mark for some advice.
Jeni says
Hi there, I have six #12 jars just wondering if they are rare? Thanks Jeni.
mbede says
Thanks we have passed your question on to Mark and posted the inquiry on our website – hopefully we will get an answer.
Vivian Parker says
Hi I was hoping someone could help me with approximate dates for various jars.
No: 65 – #10086/#10088
No: 36 – #1303/#M195
No: 27 – #A1170 (the only dated one – 1953)/#F1355/#M106/#2/#5/#6/#8/#10/#T333/
No: 73 – #I.S.533
No: 31 – #I.S.1477/#F1356/#M197/#0/#2/#6
No: 20 – #F1354 (green & clear)/#M107/#3/#5/#6/#8.
Any help would be appreciated. Also have intact paper packets of ‘Kleer View’ transparent preserve covers with labels – have photos for dating. Had a very old recipe book that was falling apart but photographed all including the ads & there were dozens. Am willing to send photos to any who are interested. Thanks again Viv
mbede says
We have asked Mark your questions and hope to get a reply.
Amber J says
Hi Mark
I’ve come across some old Fowlers merchandise from my great grandmother.
Most of the jars seem to be quite common although I can’t find much about the age/value of the 73s and 74s.
I’ve got a beautiful old stovestop Vacola (S.46646) that still has its box with accessories and it’s book that says it’s a 22nd edition.
Does the books edition help indicate it’s age?
Cheers
mbede says
We have asked Mark and put a post on the website – hopefully we can answer your questions.
Nick says
I have a large no 320 jar I hear they are quite rare and I couldn’t find anything on the Internet about them.
Does anyone know anything about this jar?
mbede says
We have asked Mark and put a post on the website – hopefully we can answer your question.
Karen says
I have a Vacola jam jar sealing machine and some bottles labelled Fowlers Vacola Jam Jar 1lb.
I have only 1 lid labelled Vacola Jam Jar Cover, Gripard, 2 and 7/8 inch. Are the lids still available? I have checked the Fowlers Vacola website and online but can’t find any information or mention of the jam jars and the sealing machine. I gather the jam jars themselves haven’t been made since the 1950’s. Does anyone have any information about the jam jars and the sealer? Are they valuable or rare?
mbede says
We have asked Mark and put a post on the website – hopefully we can answer your questions.
Wendy Williams says
I have a copper Fowlers Vacola sterilizer No. 2709 can anyone tell me how old it might be and It’s value. I also have 2 other stove top sterilisers
No 17925 which I’ve used every year for 20 yrs and a larger one No 28942. Thank you
mbede says
Thanks Wendy, we have Mark to answer your query.
Tim says
Just curious about some No.27 we have, some appear to have a CWA logo embossed on the base.
Anybody know anyting about a tie in? It sounds like a natural partnership.
Tim
Donna Gallus says
Hello, we have 2 original Fowlers Vacola advertising posters that we would like to know their $ value. They were found in a hardware shop approx 30 years ago when it was closing down. I’d like to send you photos of them.
mbede says
Yes please send scans.
Janelle Davies says
Hi. I just aquired some Fowlers jars. Number 48 with IS88 embossed on the bottom with what looks like a crown? I cant find any information at all on these and it does not even appear on the fowlers size guide. Are you able to give me any information? Thanks.
mbede says
Have you tried this site? http://www.ozfarmer.com/fowlers-vacola-ring-sizes
Rebecca Mann says
Hi, just saying hello as I am researching my family tree and my great grandmother’s sister married Joseph Fowler. My aunty also headed out to Australia just after she got married in the 1950’s. Interesting to read all about the Fowler story. Thank you. Beccy UK
mbede says
Fowlers is a mainstay of home preserving here – everyone knows it – just been given a couple of jars of relish from a friend – made in her mother’s Fowlers equipment
Mitch says
Hi,
I have a Fowler’s Vacola Juicer at home. Do you know where I can find more information about these juicers? Am interested to know what period it was made and how many were made. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Mitch.
mbede says
There is a fowlers’ collectors’ facebook page – I would start there https://www.facebook.com/groups/1921901644797874/