1974 >> January >> Terms and Abbreviations and Trades  

Terms and Abbreviations and Trades

Reprinted from "INSULATORS - Crown Jewels of the Wire", January 1974, page 2

Due to many new collectors joining our hobby and the numerous letters received each week asking explanations of the abbreviations and terms used in the classified ad section, we feel we should again reprint from May 1970 and December 1971 issues of Crown Jewels, with additions, the following information for our novice collectors. It would be very difficult to answer ads if you didn't understand them. Agreed?                         

S.C.A. Sun Colored Amethyst (purple)
S.C.AM. Sun Colored Amber (anything from straw to light brown or tan)
D.P. Drip Points
N.D.P. No Drip Points
S.D.P. Sharp Drip Points
R.D.P. Round Drip Points
M.O.D Moldline Over Dome
S.O.D. Seam Over Dome
S.S.T Swirl Start on Threads
N.M. Near Mint
V.N.M. Very Near Mint
M. Mint
C.D.# Consolidated Design numbering system created by N. R. Woodward and listed in his book, The Glass Insulator in America. (See advertisement under Insulator Books for Sale by Frank Peters, Fresno, Cal., page 42 in this issue of Crown Jewels.)
U.# Universal Style Chart created by Jack Tod for identifying porcelain insulators and listed in his book, Porcelain Insulators Guide for Collectors. (See advertisements on pager 37 and 43 in this issue of Crown Jewels.
1.1
2.1
3.1
Refers to John Tibbitts numbers. 1 refers to Book 1, 2 refers to Book 2, etc. Number following decimal is as listed in that book.
S.A.S.E. Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
 P.P.D. Postpaid

When making a trade, sell or want list, we would like to offer a few suggestions. For you advanced collectors this will seem old hat, but for you who are just beginning it is most important to list all embossing, plus the location of the embossing on the insulator. State if there are drip points and the condition of the drip points. Color should be a prime part of the list. This is one of the most difficult of all in a trade list, as we all see colors differently, but we can say if it is aqua, green, s.c.a., amber, or whatever, and if it is dark or light, clear, etc. If an insulator is bruised, this is all in one piece, but shows a light line or mark, state the word "bruised".

A chipped or broken insulator is just that and should be so stated. Trade lists refer usually to at least one of the foregoing author's books for referral on trading. In this way you can see in advance the style you are trading for.

We hope we have helped you to create a trade list of your extra insulators. If you make a want list, use the same method of identifying your wants. Keep all your correspondence until the trade is completed.

When making a trade by mail, be sure you pack these jewels with plenty of space and padding. This glass is old and brittle and won't take much bouncing around. Insure to full value of replacing. We use "Special Handling" on our trades, and then we know if they get broken the Post Office is guilty of mishandling. Now get those lists made up--and good trading and collecting!

 



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