There are many opportunities for insulator collectors to increase the size and interest of their collections. This can easily be done by not even adding insulators. Many "go-withs" can be added to enhance any collection or display.

Porcelain-enamel telephone and telegraph signs are becoming popular and also scarce. The Bell System signs with the company names are worth much more than the common plain "Bell System - Pay Station" style. Even an independent company sign had a price tag of $85.00 at a recent show. Porcelain signs are prone to damage, so the condition is a major factor in the value. When cleaning your signs, do not use paint remover. It is advisable to use a mild nonabrasive cleanser. Signs other than telephone might include telegraph (Western Union, Postal), high voltage, and even Railway Express. These can add a certain charm and uniqueness, as well as extra value, to a display.

A variety of railroad go-withs are quite collectable. This list includes signs, signals, telegraph equipment, lanterns, and miscellaneous equipment. Lanterns are the most popular as insulator go-withs. The four-lens (red-blue) model were generally used for switch stands, while some were for marker lamps (yellow-blue) on the ends of cabooses or passenger coaches. Small hand lanterns ($10 - $15) usually don't have the value of the switch lanterns ($40 - $60).

A recent go-with, although more popular with telephone collectors, is glass battery jars and related insulators. Glass battery jars are similar to fruit jars, and some fruit jar collectors may have them and be unaware of what they are. While a plain jar is not worth too much, one that is embossed and has the carbon and zinc "insides" still attached is more valuable. The smaller sizes were used primarily in telephone apparatus. The larger glass jars had such applications as fire alarm signals, telephone and telegraph power supply and railway signals. The purposes of the insulators, chloride accumulators, and battery supports will be dealt with in future articles.

Pins, pegs, brackets and related hardware always have a place in the home display as well as the show exhibit. There are dozens of different sizes, styles and makes of iron and steel fixtures. Most have a rather small value; but when they are cleaned and painted, they provide a nice way to show off insulators.

Only a very few of the possible go-withs have been mentioned here. A brief list of additional items might include: telegraph equipment and call boxes, powerhouse and other meters, fire alarm boxes, and even street lights. The list goes on; try some -- improve your collection.