This is the finest example of this rare extremely historic insulator ever publicly offered for sale. Only four or five whole examples of this insulator that were not glued together survive today that also have no expansion cracks in the upper or lower skirts . This piece has been in my personal collection for several decades. The base is mint and the top has a single repaired chip on the pointy end of one crown ear. There is also a single small glaze flake on the underside of the top. This is the very early narrow glaze-weld collar version of this insulator. The ones made later in 1902 have a larger diameter collar.

The 6-1 marking stamp is deeply struck and totally readable with every character of the marking visible. The base is light sandy tan and the top is a medium-light sandy tan with some very attractive drips and character. The top rings like a bell when you tap it.

There are a number of these very scarce insulators in the hobby that were repaired and glued back together from broken parts but how many intact whole ones have you ever seen? The M-2998 was only produced in 1902 in limited numbers for two historic lines in California. Asking $2500+ postage or the insulator can be hand transported and delivered to Springfield or any upcoming west coast show. please ask for additional photos if so desired.