First, A Note About Embossings
The majority of insulators on this site list an
embossing in their description, e.g. [010]. These numbers refer
to the embossing indices in John and Carol McDougald's insulator price
guide. They are provided as a convenience for collectors who own
the book and would like to know the specific embossing. The embossing
is an important and fascinating part of collecting insulators. There
are errors and misspellings. Sometimes just a single punctuation mark
can change the value of an insulator. Also, patent dates are
significant and can reveal a great deal about an insulator's use or
history. For more on insulator patent dates, visit NIA.org (the link
is below). For more on embossings, read the section entitled
Insulatoremporium.com below.
Also, A Statement About Authenticity
We do not sell painted, irradiated, or otherwise
altered insulators. Guaranteed.
insulators.info
insulators.info is probably the most comprehensive and helpful
site in the hobby. If you haven't been there already, check it out! There are thousands of pictures, a glossary of insulator terms,
articles, a show calendar and more. While you're there,
become an
ICON
member (it's free) and sign up for the daily digest. You'll be able
to read (lurk) or participate (post questions and/or messages) to a
forum of other interested collectors. You'll also find links for many other
great sites. Bill Meier, webmaster for insulators.info is one of the smartest guys
we know! He has done a great service to this
hobby for old and new collectors alike. Thanks, Bill!
Insulatoremporium.com
Judging by the name, you might be saying to yourself, "Sounds
like a competitor to this site." True, Grampa Mac's Insulator
Emporium does sell insulators, but we don't mind mentioning it a
bit. Why? Because without the brilliance of proprietors John and
Carol McDougald, the hobby would not be the same. They are the
authors of The Price Guide for Insulators - A History and Guide to North American Glass Pintype
Insulators. If you don't already have one, either hardcopy
or the new electronic version, get yourself one - you'll be so
glad you did! We met with Mr. and Mrs. McD when we were just
starting out in this hobby. Not only did we get some of our best
glass from them, but they are truly lovely people. We can't thank
them enough for the knowledge and encouragement they have given us. Simply put, if it weren't for the McDougalds, you would not be reading this right now.
NIA.org
This is the home page for the National Insulator Association. There is a whole bunch of helpful information for collectors there.
The Contact List reads like a "who's who" of insulator expertise. We
are in awe of the folks on that list! Thanks to all of them for the
tremendous amount of time, energy and research they have dedicated
to making this hobby more rewarding for all of us.
A note to new collectors: While you are visiting nia.org,
be sure to check out Dwayne Anthony's article, Fake & Altered
Insulators - Artificially Induced Colors. Please be careful! Just about every hobby has it's fakes, including this one.
We're also listed in these fine directories:
Aunt Mona's Gifts
Bon-a-Roo Gifts & Collectibles Search
Collectibles Directory
i5 Collectibles
