Kis-Me Gum Jar Value Guide

The Kis-Me Gum Jar is a premier example of turn-of-the-century American advertising, produced for the Louisville-based Kis-Me Gum Company before its merger into the American Chicle Company. These pressed glass jars served as essential countertop marketing tools in general stores and pharmacies, designed to entice customers with a clear view of the product.

What Is Kis-Me Gum Jar Worth?

The typical price range for Kis-Me Gum Jar is $165 - $180 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of the original bubble-patterned lid significantly impacts the $165-$180 price range.
• Clarity of the glass and the absence of 'sick glass' clouding or heavy scratching from countertop use.
• The crispness of the embossed lettering and the overall structural integrity of the square base corners.
• Historical provenance linking the piece to its original production in Louisville, Kentucky, prior to the 1899 American Chicle Company merger.

How to Identify Kis-Me Gum Jar?

• Look for the distinctive square-based profile made of heavy, clear pressed glass typical of the 1895-1910 era.
• Verify the presence of the original decorative lid featuring the signature raised bubble-patterned design.
• Check for the 'Kis-Me' branding which is often embossed directly into the glass or featured on original period labels.
• Inspect the glass for a slight solarized purple tint or small air bubbles, which are common indicators of authentic early 20th-century glass.

History of Kis-Me Gum Jar

These jars were originally used in general stores and pharmacies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to market Kis-Me Chewing Gum. The Kis-Me Gum Company was famously based in Louisville, Kentucky, and was one of the many brands that eventually merged into the American Chicle Company in 1899. The jars were designed to be eye-catching countertop displays that protected the product while allowing customers a clear view of the candy inside.