This month I want to feature a portion of the very interesting collection of Robert Reyburn (NIA #1584). Bob has been in the electrical power field since 1936 and probably has the best collection of power insulators and apparatus. Bob began collecting these items before most of us were born. He has systematically cataloged each item in his collection with super color photos and has spent considerable time and effort to learn all he can about each specimen.

He recently sent a batch of color photos of a portion of his collection. They are some of the most beautiful color photos that I have seen of insulator specimens. I really regret not being able to reproduce them in color. For better copy, they have been transferred to black and white. There is no way to describe the beautiful mahogany glazes on these early power units.

Bob's favorite insulator style is the cemented two-piece Locke No. 408A. Actually this style had two catalog numbers: No. 408A (1-3/8" pin hole) and No. 2057 (1" pin hole). We have not been able to determine if the cemented thimble version has still another catalog number as I am sure it must have had one. Ignoring these differences, we will refer to this style as No. 408A. The No. 408A probably originated around 1902 or 1903 as early units have been found with Fred Locke's wordy 7-1 marking which includes a 1902 patent date. These wordy markings were discontinued in 1903 when Fred left the company. I have one of these that was stamped twice on the skirt with this 7-1 marking.

The first catalog reference that I can find is in the 1907 catalog which shows the No. 408A as a 27kv unit. The last catalog reference located was 1916. Bob also sent a copy of Southern California Edison Company's electric standards list dated July 1, 1929 showing the use of obsolete insulators. Obsolete insulator types, when returned from line service (replaced), may be re-issued for use after passing certain required tests for the new service. The Locke No. 408A was on this list and downgraded to be re-issued on railroad and signal line crossings and on 15kv lines. The No. 408A has an 8" diameter skirt and is 6-3/4" high.

Bob also has a very interesting collection of metal pins. He has documented the development and changes in pin design and currently has over 40 different pin styles. When he adds a new insulator style, he also tracks down the pin that was designed for that insulator. He is currently hunting for the elaborate pin that was used on the 26 lb. Locke No 351 pictured in CJ Jan. 1985 page 26 (1-85-26).

Item "A'. is incuse marked VICTOR on the skirt and has a standard one inch pin hole.

Item "B" is incuse marked on the skirt with VICTOR / R=oo inside the insulator logo. The color is mahogany red. The unit has a one inch pin hole and is shown with a No. 435A steel pin (1" x 14") with split threads and felt insert. Note the rounded edge of the skirt.

Item "C" is incuse marked on the skirt with VICTOR  / R=oo inside the insulator logo. The color is light honey yellow. This unit has s 3/4" threaded thimble cemented in the pin bole to accept a 3/4" x 9" bolt pin with a 4" cast cone. Note the square trimmed skirt edge. Bob is trying to deternine the manufacturer of the cast cone as it was a standard pin assembly for many years at S. C. Edison Co.

Item "D' is incuse marked on the skirt with VICTOR. The color is mahogany red. This unit has a 3/4" threaded thimble cemented in the pin hole and is shown with a one-piece flanged steel pin (3/4" threads, 2-1/2" flanged base with lengths of 12-1/2" and 13-1/2").

The Item "E" is incuse marked on the skirt VICTOR. color is mahogany red. This unit has a 3/4" threaded thimble cemented in the pin hole and is shown with the 3/4" x 9" bolt pin and 4" cast cone.

Item "F" is incuse marked on the skirt with VICTOR / R=oo inside the insulator logo. The color is mahogany red. This unit has a 3/4" threaded thimble cemented in the pin hole and is shown with the one-piece flanged steel pin.

This photo shows the cemented thimble detail. The thimble accepts a 3/4" threaded steel bolt pin.

Bob also sent this photo of an Ohio Brass unit catalog No. 9410 (8" skirt diameter and 7-1/2" high). It has an embossed O-B marking on the crown. The color is mahogany red and has a standard one inch pin hole.

My favorite is the Locke No. 405A (8" skirt diameter, 6-1/4" high with 6" flanged petticoat) It is incuse marked on the skirt VICTOR. The color is mahogany red. This unit has a 1-3/8" pin hole and is shown with the 1-3/8" S. C. Edison Co. No. 11 steel pin with split threads and felt insert.