Glass insulators were first produced in the 1850's for use with telegraph lines. As technology developed insulators were needed for telephone lines, electric power lines, and other applications. In the mid 1960's a few people began collecting these antique glass insulators. Today there are over 3,000 insulator collectors. Insulator clubs, local and national shows, and good reference books are available. Auctions of Vintage Insulators are available too.
Patent of the Day
Utility Patent 1,136,504 on April 20, 1915
By Henry M. Brookfield
Glass: Glass made from cullet with lime and clay added

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