LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", December 2006, page 4
On page 11 of the November issue of Crown Jewels, Fred Flaig asked readers
from information about an unusual insulator. Fred says he received word back
right away.
Hi Howard,
Here is a picture, among many, that was sent to me from James Bancroft in the
United Kingdom, that shows the insulators I have that you published in CJOW Nov.
2006. Wow, you have subscribers all over! And what fast service to hear from
someone so soon. He also sent me the email address of a collector in Sweden who
has a big collection, which I will go to next.
Thanks again for publishing my photos. Fred Flaig
Editor's note: The white porcelain insulators with a deep & narrow
cable groove are Swedish. In this month's issue, starting on page 43,
collector James Bancroft talks about his collection and how he got started in
the insulator hobby.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Banks,
Thank you for choosing our articles as winners in your latest CJ contest. The
734 McMickings arrived about a month ago, and are now sitting with the best
insulators in our collection. We apologize for not writing to thank you sooner,
but the beginning of school is always quite busy. Again we thank you for hosting
yet another great contest.
Sincerely, Powell and Forest Brown
Editor's note: Powell's contest entry was published in the October
issue. Forest's will be in the January issue. This month in Kid's Korner we
have a short story from Adam Chilcote. See page 23.
MORE LETTERS TO EDITOR
Hello Howard,
Not a major find, but appropriate for the season. Picked up a nice PUMPKIN
colored U-825 LAPP for a dollar.
Also found a copper lightning conductor installation tag for 4.00. This is a
new one to me. It's oval, measuring 4" X 2-1/4", and is embossed THESE
LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS / ARE MANUFACTURED / BY / THE CARL BAJOHR CO. / ST. LOUIS,
MISSOURI. It also has the number 15 stamped between two lines under the
manufacturers name. Probably the installation number. Wondering if anyone out
there has any info on this company. It makes for an interesting
"go-with" for our lightning-rod insulators.
One other comment I'd like to make concerns a letter from Mike Joyner &
Moitra Wolohan in the September issue of Crown Jewels on cleaning insulators.
The use of muriatic acid to clean insulators does indeed get them sparkling
clean, however there can be a "side effect' to this that may not show up
for a few years.
Back in the late 60's / early 70's we cleaned a good many of our insulators
using this method and were very pleased with the result. What we have found in
recent years is that a number of these insulators may a have film on them that
while not necessarily noticeable visually, is felt when one picks up the piece.
If you touch your fingers to your tongue you will discover an acidic taste.
Because of this we discontinued using this method quite a while ago. Just
passing this on as a cautionary thought.
"The Magpie Line", Ted Wilush's article in the October issue was a
winner! Well written and very interesting.
Finally, we've been a continuous subscriber since the December 1969 issue and
collectors since June of the same year. A enjoyable trip for sure!
Good Collecting and all the best for the Holidays!
Jarl & Karen Anderson
Editor's note: Thank you Jarl and Karen for your faithfulness to Crown
Jewels.
Last month we asked people to write if they have been subscribing for a
long period of time. Several collectors have let us know they've been
subscribing continuously since the early 1970's. So far, no one has reported
that they have been continuous subscribers for longer than Jarl & Karen. But
we suspect there may be a few.
While I was one of the original subscribers, and even had a show report in
the very first issue of March 1969, I missed about a 20 year span from the late
1970's to the late 1990's.
Howard Banks
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