Our hobby seems to be, growing by leaps and bounds. This is a good thing, for the most part. The unfortunate side of this boom is that supply is exceeded by demand in so many cases.

This, of course, results in inflated and, often times, unaffordable prices (think pea soup CD 145's, violet CD 162's, castles, etc.). We collectors look for our treasurers in almost any location imaginable. Sometimes we luck out, but mostly we find the dreaded "common glass". Ahh, the not-so-secret Star insulator offers a solution to novice and seasoned collectors alike.

A bit of background...The Star insulators were manufactured in the early 1900's by four different companies. The primary one was Brookfield. The firm produced regular dripped pieces and many smooth-based CD styles. Although Brookfield produced the majority of Stars, three other companies did so also. These included Sterling (noted for producing nearly flawless blue based beauties), Harloe (very junky and crude), and Novelty (think green, grabber greens, and the helmet).

With history in mind, we can move to current day collectors and the opportunities available with this embossing. So much variety can be found. True, the color scale is limited mostly from the blue to green spectrums. But, color mixtures found are from subtle to the stunning range. Olive, amber, yellow, orange and odd green swirls are often found lurking in aqua or green-based units. Inclusive clouds, streaks, lumps, curls, and swirls really "jazz up" otherwise uninteresting "common" glass. Rocks, nails, wire, snow, milk and other UFO's can be occasionally found.

This is what has attracted me to Stars from early on. The unique qualities make Stars quite appealing (compared to more expensive pieces which are more uniform in color, clarity, and quality). Most Stars are rather inexpensive. Some of my favorite insulators are Stars I purchased for $10 or less. But, to me, they are priceless and irreplaceable.

I have a wide and varied collection of colorful and expensive insulators. I also have my Stars. Many collectors can't afford high-end colored glass or rare items. But Stars can still be found and greatly appreciated at realistic prices. Through these, there is hope for building an interesting and beautiful collection. Stars remain available and under-appreciated in our hobby. Take advantage now. Happy hunting!

(Some information for this article came from research by Brent Burger and Ray Klingensmith.)

Yellow green CD 145 Star beehive with giant bubble from collection of Sean Green of Lakewood, CO.	Green CD 260 Star helmet with yellow ears from collection of Ron Yuhas of Helena, MT.

Pair of Star CD 102 ponies filled with fizz, tiny bubbles & snow.  From the collection of Mike Corn.	Scarce Star CD 102 "mini-blobtop" in yellow green, from collection of Mike Corn.

(Photographs by Kevin Jacobson & Howard Banks)