STARS FROM THE OMAHA SHOW

Jim Bates of Edinburg, Texas, walked into the Central Regional Show in Omaha with three of the most intriguing insulators I have ever seen! Have a look:

Photo #1 shows a white U-1692 with a royal blue glaze on the crown. It measures 2-3/4" x 4". While the style is typically European, with small threads and pinhole, the insulator was found in Mexico. Jim even has the original crossarm to which it was attached. He has no clue as to whether the insulator was an import or was manufactured locally. There are no markings on it. When an insulator is colored this way, making it stand out from others on the pole, it is usually to designate a specific line. Aren't these interesting?

Photos #2 and #3 show the front and side view of a small white threadless insulator measuring 2-7/8" x 3-1/4". This one was also found in Mexico. The style is outwardly similar to a U-1652, except that the profile is much narrower and it has no inner skirt. The pinhole is a bit over 5/8" in diameter. The glaze is crackled all over like an old plate, so we figure this little creature has been around for a while. Notice the two odd looking protrusions, one on each side. What on earth do you suppose these were for? They aren't big enough to hold anything. Maybe to increase the leakage path? Are they somebody's idea of drip points? Any guesses? At any rate, it is quite a conversation piece!

In photo #4 you will see the best one of all! This one is from Austria. Again, no markings, but when you can find an insulator like this, who cares? Though quite a bit larger, it has the same general appearance as U-2070, but, for the moment, it lacks a classification number. It is 3-1/2" across the base and 4-3/4" tall. This insulator design is used in those cases where a line changes vertically from one level to another. In others words, where there is a downward pull.

Jim had only these pictures to show of the next item. In #5 and #6 you are looking at just what you think you are. An insulator and electric light combination! It's also from Austria. I sure would like to see just how this one was used. I'm pretty sure it was intended this way, and that it is for real! Sorry I can't tell you any more about it, but just had to show you.

Photo #1 - A white U-1692 with a 
royal blue glaze on the crown.

Finds like these help keep the interest sparked in the insulator collecting hobby. And if you think these are special, you have something else in store for you! Come and gaze at the absolutely fantastic Display of Seldom Seen Insulators at the NIA Convention in Saratoga Springs, July 11-13. See you there!

Photo #2 and #3 A front and side view of a white, 
threadless porcelain similar to a U-1652.

Photo #4 Unclassified Austrian porcelain (similar to U-2070).

Photo #5 and #6 Austrian insulator or electric light?