The story behind this little insulator is nicer than the piece itself.

Very soon after I discovered there were other insulator collectors out there in early 1967, I was letter-writing to any and all prospects who had similar affliction for these things. Among the very many I got in contact with during those early days was Marion Milholland. I heard about his reference books and by March 1969 I saved up enough money to buy the latest copy (keeping my bike in tip-top shape for looong insulator hunting trips was my number-one financial priority!).

Soon after writing him I received my book and an extra, unexpected and surprising gift. It was this New Eng. Tel. & Tel. Co. / National Insulator CD 110.5 in sparkling aqua...in perfect shape too!

When I ordered the book I introduced myself at some length and mentioned that I had been a periodic, assisting editor for Claire McClelland's "Insulator Hot Line" column in Western Collector Magazine. That column was the first specifically about insulators and began in the May 1967 issue. I also briefed Marion about my collection and finds. Apparently he was quite impressed about what this young lad way across on the other coast was doing and included this priceless gift!

Up until that time the CD 110.5 was unheard of. I was very startled by its design and markings! I was in regular contact with Mr. N.R. Woodward and he was quite stunned about this too. My intriguing "find" also was soon included in one of Frances Terrill's "Insulator By-Line" columns in Old Bottle Magazine.

This piece is another one that has been virtually "glued" to my display shelf for decades (almost 50 years!). It represents the beginning of my friendship with Marion. And this is one of a great many examples of how other collectors and those who have supported and assisted me in my collecting pursuits are the kindest and greatest people on Earth ;-)