Porcelain Insulators: The Collector's World of Mud
Welcome to the Porcelain Insulator Collector's World of Mud
Porcelain insulators, once overshadowed by glass, are now a growing collector's niche. This reference site explains their history, markings, colors, and rarity, and why they're gaining popularity: more books and catalogs, rising glass prices, and the discovery of new styles. It's a guide for both newcomers and seasoned 'mud hounds'.
Collectors have realized that the amount of color available in porcelain is very significant and has increased as more distribution lines are dismantled.
- jl6
Well I can’t say I understand the appeal of collecting insulators, but I’m completely in love with the idea that there are people who enjoy such a niche hobby with such intensity, and apparently have been enjoying it for decades, and have societies and conventions and everything. Unbelievable. This is what the internet is for.
- ripe
From the overview site:
Glass insulators were first produced in the 1850's for use with telegraph lines. As technology developed insulators were needed for telephone lines, electric power lines, and other applications. In the mid 1960's a few people began collecting these antique glass insulators. Today there are over 3,000 insulator collectors. Insulator clubs, local and national shows, and good reference books are available. Auctions of Vintage Insulators are available too.
- gus_massa
It would be nice to have a "pinterest" version of it that shows all the images and I can select one for more info.
Here are a few images together https://www.insulators.info/porcelain/mark.htm and https://www.insulators.info/porcelain/color.htm but to see all of them you must click in each of the links in https://www.insulators.info/porcelain/photos/