They would write with dip pens on paper to make the labels. They would hang them around the necks of jars and jugs with string, or attach them to the side with glue bought at the store or made at home from hooves. And after reading through scores of Victorian craft books, honestly, Mom might crochet a cover for the jar reading whatever was in it. They had a penchant for making doilies that spelled out "fish" with fish designs, or "cheese," or "wine," and making boxes marked "gloves" or "handkerchiefs" and bags for shoes and boots with the same embroidered on. So embroidered bags to put them in are another unexpected possibility.