The Carnival Giass Story
by Esta Brown

Reprinted from "INSULATORS - Crown Jewels of the Wire", May 1972, page 10

The name "Carnival Glass" is really a misnomer. These beautiful reddish, yellowish insulators are called by the same name as the glass dishes of the same color which are so avidly collected these days. The name originated when the glassware was being given as prizes at carnivals and like places. These articles were made in the early days of the 20th century and were actually irridescent glass. Various shades of the glass were made.

In the late 20's and the early 30's of this century insulator manufacturers were looking for a more efficient insulative material and at least two companies hit upon the idea of coating glass with certain mineral salts and firing it to furnish better insulation, especially to protect the line from radio and other outside electric impulses. The result of this process produced a color and quality vary similar to the old carnival glass dishes. And so the name is being used to describe this class of insulators.

This Carnival Glass insulator picture and story were given to me quite some time ago by Gerald and Esta Brown. But since we haven't had anything on carnivals for some time, I thought it might be of interest especially to new collectors. Wish you could see the original photo in color--at least you should be able to discern the various shapes in the reprint. (Your Editor)

TWENTY DIFFERENT CARNIVAL GLASS INSULATORS