This popped up in our inbox this morning from RailroadWare.

They have beautiful products made from glass insulators. We especially like the respectful write-up on the history of insulators on their website.

SOME GLASS INSULATORS ARE OVER 100 YEARS OLD. EACH ONE IS UNIQUE.

Glass insulators are a fascinating part of the industrial revolution and communications. Although they are relics of an old technology, found mostly along old rail and abandoned telegraph lines, they have a historical significance to the telecom industry worldwide.

The oldest insulators pre-date the Civil War. U.S. Companies such as Hemingray, Brookefield, Kerr, Armstrong, Tatum & Pyrex manufactured them. They were produced by the millions until the 1970’s. Some were experimental or produced in limited quantities, some are extremely rare, and many over 100 years old and collected worldwide.

There are many nuances in the styles, colors and uses of glass insulators. Each has a unique shape, design and industrial form that track the industry, development, technology and innovation.

via RailroadWare | Unique Lighting | Housewares | Kitchen & Bath | Hardware.