Antique Glass Insulators

Antique Glass Insulators

If you are seeking a unique type of glass collectible, consider antique glass insulators. Glass insulators are items that were first used in the mid 19th century. They kept electric and communication wires such as telegraph and telephone wires dry and protected. Insulators were created after the invention of electricity. The electricity needed to be moved between one place and another safely and efficiently. Glass insulators were important because they dried fast when wet, were nonconducting and kept the wires and poles apart.

While it may seem that these insulators are a rare item, there are actually thousands of collectors out there. You will also find clubs, shows and reference materials devoted to the antique insulator. One thing you may need to know when collecting insulators is how to clean them. Old insulators often come dirty. Fine steel wool can remove stubborn dirt, while a solvent can remove residue that is sticky. Train smoke is especially stubborn but can be removed with oxalic acid. Insulators come in different styles and even different colors, including vibrant shades like orange, red, green and blue.

Because insulators were created over an entire century, there were many shapes created to meet various purposes and evolving needs. While different shapes were designed for different needs, the colors were not made for any specific purpose. Sometimes it was the natural material or chemicals found in the material that colored the glass. One company famous for their glass, especially their insulators, was the Hemingray Glass Company. The company opened in 1848 and the last glass insulator made by this company was crafted in 1967.

The Internet is a great source of information about antique glass insulators. In addition to learning more about these items, you can find them for sale. There are antique dealer sites where you can shop and of course, Ebay. Once you start browsing you will get an idea of how much variety there is in the world of insulators. To identify certain insulators, pick up some books on the subject. Here are a few titles you may want to check out: Price Guide for Insulators: A History and Guide to North American Glass Pintype Insulators by John McDougald and Carol McDougald and The Definitive Guide to Colorful Insulators by Mike Bruner.

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