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You are here: Experts > Shopping > Collectibles > Collectibles--General (Modern) > Thomas Insulator
Expert: Bob Berry
Date: 5/2/2008
Subject: Thomas Insulator
Question
QUESTION: My family found an old insulator in our garage and we know nothing about it. It looks like the first one in the picture I attached, except it's light orange. It's still attached to something that looks like a crank. The word Thomas is very clear, but there are holes in the side that look like pin holes and we don't know what they say.
If you need a real picture I can definitely get one for you. Thanks for the help!
ANSWER: Thanks for the question - I didn't see any picture attached. Can you attach a picture - I'm sure I'll be able to identify it!
--Bob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Whoops! Sorry, I'm really forgetful. I got it now.
IMAGE: Insulators
ANSWER: Thanks -- I suspect your insulator is mounted to a pin. Is it a metal pin? These are frequently designed to mount to a wall or pole. I'm not sure I understand "but there are holes in the side that look like pin holes" -- is this a description of some additional marking on the insulator in addition to THOMAS? A picture of the actual insulator might help with this part.
--Bob
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I couldn't get a good pictures of the pin holes, and I'm not sure if they say anything. They might just be there. We thought maybe that was how they marked what type of insulator it was, but now looking at it I don't think it's anything. But here's what the whole thing looks like. On the top it says in big letters THOMAS.
Answer
Yes -- Picture helps a ton! You have a low voltage distribution distribution insulator. The pin bracket it is mounted on is intended to mount over a cross arm on a telephone pole. This one is in a really nice butterscotch color and has about a $6-$8 collector value. I'd date it from the 1930's. The R. Thomas and Sons company made insulators from the late 1800's through the 1960's.
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