California Insulators
Reprinted from "INSULATORS - Crown Jewels of the Wire", May 1969, page 17
In the March (1969) issue we listed 16 different styles of "California's". Since
then we have found 3 more.
17 - CD 201 One piece transposition
18 - No C.D. number, but is a medium size strain or Johnny ball (sage
green) with just the word CALIFORNIA on the end. I haven't seen
this one but Ron Ipswitch has it and described it to us.
19 - This is another strain or Johnny ball sent in through the courtesy of
Marvin Collins of Eureka, Calif.
I am lucky that I have some (2) egg insulators. I call them Johnny balls,
green grey wire insulator made by California with PAT APL'D FOR on them.
Here is a sketch.
I also have a Woodward CD 131 concave skirt that I am very proud of. I have
some rare glass and like all the others some common ones. I traded one of my
Johnny balls to Marvin Collins and he said that he was going to write to 0.B.X.
and put his in so I thought I would write.
The next illustration was sent in by Bill Rose of Eureka, California. This
one is sage green also, but there was one like these at the Woodland swap meet
in S. C. A. Sure wish I could find one in any color. Well, that's what keeps it
interesting. My thanks to both Marvin Collins and Bill Rose for the sketches and
information.
Circle is where glass was poured into mold. It has been ground off smooth.
2 3/16" x 3" Sage green
Above groove -- CALIFORNIA
Below groove -- PAT APL'D FOR The "T'' is NOT CROSSED!
Found another collector with three. Only one in fair condition after gluing
together. I have poorest one now. Several years ago a local collector had a
whole box full that came from the old Eureka streetcar line. He gave them all
away. Doesn't even have one himself now!
Last night at our Bottle Club meeting I saw the CD 260 "CALIFORNIA"
Roman Helmet in lemon or light honey color. It's a real beauty and would be a
joy to own. So far we only know of five of these in this color. The sage green
helmets are beginning to show up more and more, but they are still by no means a
common item.
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