Research Division

Reprinted from "INSULATORS - Crown Jewels of the Wire", June 1983, page 26

I have enclosed some actual size sketches of an item that I just recently acquired. It appears to be an ashtray or a small bowl. I have drawn the sketches as if it were a bowl, and for the rest of this letter I will refer to the item as a bowl. The bowl is made of a hard, black composition-like material and was probably some kind of give-away advertisement. 

Due to the wear and tear on the bowl it appears to be old -- either that, or it has had a hard life.

What the bowl was used for isn't really that important. What has really captured my interest is the embossing around the top of the bowl.

The American Insulator Corporation of New Freedom, PA. is a new one to me. I have been unable to find this company in any of my reference books.

Is it an old company or a new one? Is it still in business? What years was this company in business? Did this company actually manufacture pin-type insulators or any other type of insulators?

If you can answer any of my questions I would sure appreciate it. If you know anyone with any information on this company, tell them to get in touch with me. 
Thanks, 
Fred R. Collier, Jr. 
Rt. 1 Box 418 
Ruckersville, VA 22968