NATIONAL - Threadless Porcelain

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", September 2000, (Insert) page 26

Doug MacGillvary, Manchester, Connecticut
Dr. Fredrick L. Griffin Memorial Award for Best Use of Threadless 
Best Exhibit using Eastern Insulators

Doug says: I have been collecting porcelain threadless for about seven years. I acquired a U-980 Elliot for resale, but instead took a liking to it. After keeping a few more porcelain threadless, I decided to try to put together as complete a collection as possible. Way back in 1970 I became a friend of an antique shop owner, Larry Grogan. Insulators were becoming popular and he and I jumped on board to make a few bucks. We bought and sold together until Larry decided to get out of the insulator business and I stayed in. Several insulators in the display have interesting stories behind them. 

Over the years, the U-1960 had a lot written about it in "Crown Jewels of the Wire ". Jack Tod and Doug Henderson (owner of the only three known) seemed at odds over the history of the insulator. I purchased all three from Doug and along with the insulators came a lasting friendship. All three are still in the display.

The U-986 took the longest time (over two years) to find out whose collection it was in. Still not knowing, it showed up at the Chicago National in 1998 where I was able to purchase it. It still remains a "one-of-a-kind" and was a key piece in putting the collection together. I believe it is my favorite! The one piece that I think would probably complete my collection is also a "one-of-a-kind" item, a U-976. Its present owner would not part with it for all the money in the world. (Upcoming feature color story.)