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Pole Top Discoveries' Event #2403 Closed February 26.
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#810 - 1842 "Cooke" insulator. - Tan. 
- Sold Winning Bid: $160.00
- 4 Bid(s) View Bid History
- Lot # 810
- System ID # 314374
- End Date
- Start Date
#810 Unmarked. Glazed pottery. Tan. Length: 3”
One of the oldest insulators in existence. Reportedly found by an archaeologist in 2008 at the site of the old York, England railway station which was constructed in 1840. All similar examples which have been offered in the recent past are believed to have been from this one excavation.
A patent was issued to W. F. Cooke in 1842 for telegraph lines to be constructed using overhead wires attached to poles. The line wire was placed through the insulators which were attached to poles or supports by using a metal staple placed over the center groove.
The second image shows an illustration of this type insulator with the metal mounting staple in place at the center. These insulators were likely produced as early as 1842 and placed in service until about 1848, at which time other styles became more practical and popular.
The third image shows this type insulator mounted horizontally to poles, the line wire traversing through the entire core of the insulator.
The fourth image is an early view of York Station, where the insulators were excavated.
In reference to the manufacture of early English insulators, the late English researcher Steven Roberts stated: “One of the earliest and largest suppliers was Joseph Bourne & Son, of the Denby Pottery, Derbyshire, who were stone bottle and jar manufacturers. They had the advantage of patent kilns for making the inexpensive strong earthenware called ‘stoneware’. The earliest insulators by W. F. Cooke were made at Denby, and they continued in that line for a century.”
These ancient relics represent the earliest stages of telegraphic communication in the world, at a time when line insulation was in the trial and error phase. Although simple in form, they are well made and had a practical design. The back side is flat, allowing the insulator to fit snugly against the support.
Excellent overall condition. Most of the off-colored area to the left appears to be glaze inconsistencies, rather than damage.