These were among the commercial first telegraph wires that connected Boston with Providence, NYC and other points. Without doubt the insulators on the crossarms shown are unthreaded (threadless). Photos of this three-picture set (click onto "Previous" and then once again..) clearly illustrate the progression from this c.1865 image to what it looked like around 20 years later. In other words, from a threadless insulator line to one that was upgraded with threaded insulators. Thanks to Kathleen McLaughlin for sharing these truly outstanding pictures with us. Next time you see her [id=345606935] at an insulator meet please be sure to give her a big hug and kiss (I will not mind!) Her photos, dedication and love are absolutely priceless, unique and unequalled... and so is she ;-)

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