This is a very historically significant early insulator that is seldom offered for sale. The M-2998 Fred Locke was only produced in the year 1902 for two lines in California, The Colgate-Oroville tie line, and the re-insulation of the Colgate-Oakland transmission line from the Carquinez crossing to Oakland in 1902. ( because the M-2795 gutter tops were catching fire) Only a handful of these have been found making them quite rare in any condition with maybe 12 to 15 known. This insulator was the worlds first large 14" top multipart pin type insulator. It was the largest insulator of any type on the market in 1902. This insulator was recovered about 6 years ago in the Berkley hills along the Colgate line. The top skirt of this piece was frost cracked into several large parts that were cleanly resembled . The lower skirt and collar skirts are mint. There is no porcelain missing other then a large repaired chip on the firing rest. The insulator has Fred Locke marking 6-1. Asking $700. (sale pending) It will be available at the national in Helena.