The Vintage Technology Association

Glass Insulators

Back when people still used wires to communicate, glass insulators were an eye-catching feature of telephone and power poles everywhere. Now, they are a ubiquitous sight at flea markets and antique shows. Insulators can be found in an incredibly large array of exotic colors and configurations. Unfortunately, we don't have any of those. All you'll see here are the typical blue, green and colorless types.

CD 113 / Hemingray No. 12

Devices included in this entry:

CD 113 insulator (aqua; pictured in thumbnail)
CD 113 insulator (clear)

The Hemingray No. 12 is a pony-type insulator, used for residential telephone drop lines from the late 1890s through the 1950s. Trade name 'Double Groove Pony'. Dimensions: 2.375 x 3.625".

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CD 128 / Pyrex CS Threaded

CD 128 is an insulator which was commonly used on telephone carrier circuits. CD 128 is designed to be mounted on a special steel pin, and is most often seen unthreaded. The example pictured is a somewhat rarer threaded variant in clear glass. Dimensions: 2.625 x 4".
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CD 147 / Hemingray Spiral Groove

The CD 147 spiral groove was patented on October 8, 1907 by John C. Barclay. The insulator was designed to be be removed and replaced without having to unwrap the tie wire from the line wire. CD 147 was widely used in the 1910s. Aqua variation shown. Dimensions: 3 x 4.25".

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CD 152 / Hemingray No. 40

The No. 40 was introduced in 1910, and used until 1921 when it was replaced by the No. 42. Aqua variation shown. Dimensions: 3.5 x 4".

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CD 154 / Hemingray No. 42

Devices included in this entry:

CD 154 insulator (aqua)
CD 154 insulator (clear)
CD 154 insulator (Hemingray blue; pictured in thumbnail

The Hemingray No. 42 replaced the No. 40 telegraph insulator in 1921. Trade name 'Double Petticoat, 24 oz'. Dimensions: 3.625 x 4".

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CD 162 / Hemingray No. 19

Ice blue variation shown. Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.875".

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CD 183 / Hemingray No. 71

The No. 71 was produced from the 1920s to the 1950s. Clear variation shown. Dimensions: 4.75 x 3.75".

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CD 203 / Hemingray No. 56

The No. 56 is a one-piece point transposition insulator for telephone lines. The No. 56 replaced the No. 53. Clear variation shown. Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.875".

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CD 1049 / Spool Insulator

Clear variation shown.

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CD 113 / Hemingray No. 12
	Devices included in this entry: CD 113 insulator (aqua; pictured in thumbnail) CD 113 insulator (clear) The Hemingray No. 12 is a pony-type insulator, used for residential telephone drop lines from the late 1890s through the 1950s. Trade name 'Double Groove Pony'. Dimensions: 2.375 x 3.625". [View Detail]

CD 128 / Pyrex CS Threaded
	CD 128 is an insulator which was commonly used on telephone carrier circuits. CD 128 is designed to be mounted on a special steel pin, and is most often seen unthreaded. The example pictured is a somewhat rarer threaded variant in clear glass. Dimensions: 2.625 x 4". [View Detail]

CD 147 / Hemingray Spiral Groove
	The CD 147 spiral groove was patented on October 8, 1907 by John C. Barclay. The insulator was designed to be be removed and replaced without having to unwrap the tie wire from the line wire. CD 147 was widely used in the 1910s. Aqua variation shown. Dimensions: 3 x 4.25". [View Detail]

CD 152 / Hemingray No. 40
	The No. 40 was introduced in 1910, and used until 1921 when it was replaced by the No. 42. Aqua variation shown. Dimensions: 3.5 x 4". [View Detail]

CD 154 / Hemingray No. 42
	Devices included in this entry: CD 154 insulator (aqua) CD 154 insulator (clear) CD 154 insulator (Hemingray blue; pictured in thumbnail The Hemingray No. 42 replaced the No. 40 telegraph insulator in 1921. Trade name 'Double Petticoat, 24 oz'. Dimensions: 3.625 x 4". [View Detail]

CD 162 / Hemingray No. 19
	Ice blue variation shown. Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.875". [View Detail]

CD 183 / Hemingray No. 71
	The No. 71 was produced from the 1920s to the 1950s. Clear variation shown. Dimensions: 4.75 x 3.75". [View Detail]

CD 203 / Hemingray No. 56
	The No. 56 is a one-piece point transposition insulator for telephone lines. The No. 56 replaced the No. 53. Clear variation shown. Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.875". [View Detail]

CD 1049 / Spool Insulator
	Clear variation shown. [View Detail]