It might seem a bit of heresy for someone who had his/her collecting roots from 1968 to 1978 firmly planted in Muncie, Indiana (one of the "Homes" of Hemingray), as a student and staff member at Ball State University. During that period I became hooked on the hobby and developed an extensive Hemingray collection which was eventually sold in 1978. How I got started again is another story for another time.

Upon my return to the hobby about three years ago, I focused on Canadian 102 ponies. At the 2005 Springfield, Ohio show my collection evolved to another level, as many collections do, to include another "sub-collection", that of CD 136.4 Canadian Bostons. During my initial years of collecting I always had an attraction to the CD 136s (B&Os - below, left), so it was a natural for me to be attracted to their Canadian made "cousin", the 136.4.

Sometimes, interests are launched by the purchase of one item. Such was the case for me. Ray Klingensmith had a slaggy 136.4 that had my name on it (#13, above). I thought about that purchase for the entire show and hoped that no one would grab it up before I could make my decision. It certainly had caught the eye of many collectors. Upon leaving the show, I made the purchase and never regretted the decision.

A fellow Canadian collector with limited funds at this year's show was trying to make a similar decision. The only words of wisdom I could offer was, "Imagine you are 200 - 300 miles down the road headed home, would you regret not having purchased the item?"

In creating the display I knew I would be at a bit of a handicap as Canadian Bostons have a long history but not much recorded information. So the direction I took was to examine more closely and note the characteristics of the 136.4s in my possession. In doing so, I have to admit to learning a lot more about these insulators. I am not suggesting that any reader become a specialist, but I certainly can say that there are some benefits in being able to study the fine details and differences within a CD that might otherwise be overlooked.

Other than the unique barrel shape, these glass artifacts are defined by their very thick, crude glass. Quality control in their production appears not to have been very high resulting in each piece being a one of a kind.

The "DOT" I had always thought that all Canadian Bostons had the "Dot" on the dome. Closer examination found this not to be true. Discussion with other collectors speculates that the 'DOT" performed a function in helping keep the mold from turning during production.

Canadian Bostons have what I will call the "normal" or usual thread pin hole, and they are also found with a segmented thread, very similar to the American insulators made by Boston Bottle Works. The segmented thread is the brainchild of Samuel Oakman and was intended to assist in the removal of the mandrel or plunger from the finished product. The segmented threaded version is a very desirable item. Editor's Note: Canadian made + Boston (segmented) threads explains the nickname: Canadian Bostons.

Above, Left - Normal threads; Above, right: example with segmented threads; Right: side view of CD 136.4 with segmented threads. During the Springfield show this year I purchased 5 Canadian Bostons. One had an unusual thread condition which appears that the mandrel that is inserted into the mold to form the threads had been pulled too early causing the threads to be curved and pulled down toward the base. (Below left, close-up below right)

From my rather small sampling of 26 pieces, I observe that the main damage one finds is (1) wire groove / wire rim chips and (2) hairline cracks, primarily in the dome areas. Again, discussions with other collectors suggest that the damage at the wire rims / grooves is likely a man induced damage from the lineman not being too careful when changing out the line. I have many specimens where the damage is at the wire groove area and yet the base is perfect or nearly perfect.

The hairline cracks abound. I have also noted this in other Canadian glass like the 102s. Check out the teal blue 102s, it is a frequent occurrence to see hairline cracks in the skirt. I frequently have wondered if this is a function of glass quality and the adverse weather conditions? I have one piece where the dome has cracks due to freeze and thaw of the pin and the pin being screwed too tightly.

I thought it would be interesting to do a comparison of weight and height. Here's a spreadsheet showing comparisons. From a scientific stand point, the accuracy is affected on some pieces by the damage which has removed glass and, therefore, weight.

Average weight: 1.62 pounds

This may sound pretty standard but values range from $75 to $7,500 depending on condition and color. The most valuable pieces in my collection could probably be picked out by someone with little knowledge of the hobby. The yellow olive and olive green are most difficult to find, followed by the slaggy version (my first purchase). I like to refer to value as being determined by the 3 - "Cs": (1) color, (2) condition and (3) character. Character is often the ironic event of the production of an insulator that is less than perfect by typical glass standards. That may mean inclusions of foreign materials, embossing and mold errors or changes, or deformities during production (e.g. - under pours = not enough glass in the mold).

Most collectors know this term to stand for "mold line over the dome". This means a glass insulator formed in a two piece mold leaving a distinct line from the base, over the dome and returning to the opposite base. The MOLD means a vintage piece.

Jim is a residential land developer in northern Indianapolis. He has a varied collecting background including "collecting a family of 5 children".

Editor's note: Jim's display of Canadian Bostons won the award for "most educational" exhibit at the 2006 Mid-Ohio show in Springfield, Ohio last November. A portion of the exhibit is shown at the left.