More collectors have sent in information about distribution rings following articles in CJ in June and July.

Gene Condon wrote that in 1953 India issued two stamps commemorating the centenary of the telegraph in that country. A first day cover for those stamps, shown below, depicts a distribution ring. It appears each of the "circular cross arms" could hold two dozen insulators. 

Gene also wrote that he once found a distribution ring in use in St. Michael's Alley in the old historic section of Charleston, South Carolina. He reports that it only had a single layer of insulators.

Elton Gish sent in a picture from the 1906 Central Electric Catalogue (below). He writes, "I've found no reference to distribution rings in the dozen or so other catalogues from the same era; and, furthermore, it seems the arrangement in the Central catalogue would be impractical if not impossible. The standard Hibbard pin, as used with the insulators shown, would not work due to the skirt configuration of the top half (CD 191)."

Elton says the distribution rings are commonplace in England where they are used in residential neighborhoods. "The exchange cable is underground, with the proper circuits connected and sent up the side of the pole, where they connect to the drop lines to the homes. Dry spot (pothead) insulators were used to prevent the current from following the lines in either direction via the insulator on the wires.

"In newer installations, the rings do not use porcelain insulators, but rather the drop lines are connected directly to the rings, in the same manner as electric drop lines in America no longer use pin style insulators."

Wouldn't This Be Nice

In addition to the distribution ring, the 1906 Central Electric Catalogue advertised pole seats. 

Now you're talking! Show me the line where I can SIT DOWN and pluck insulators at my leisure. Somewhere... there's got to be an EC&M line with pole seats just waiting for me. 

Central Electric sold pole seats for the price of $5.00 each galvanized, or $4.00 each if painted. Hey... what about padded?

At the National Show in Springfield, Ohio last summer, I had the pleasure of becoming reacquainted with Rod Wing. He's member # 5 of the National Insulator Association. In 1970, Rod, I, and another collector found 25 CD 317 Chambers insulators in use in Southern Indiana and Western Ohio.

At about the same time, Rod was trying to convince the Jim Beam Distilling Company to make commemorative whisky bottles in the shape of insulators.

Rod gave me a letter, from Robert Weisenberger of the Jim Beam company who responded to the request by writing, "It would be virtually impossible to fulfill this request in the foreseeable future. Firm commitments on specific bottle designs, to be developed in the next four years, have already been made. We're sorry, but there is no way we could possibly fulfill another request at this time." 

Hmm... too bad. Would have given the name "liquid insulator" new meaning! 

Howard Banks