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#2496        735     U.P.R.R.       Dark blue with amber.

  Lot # 2496
Listing Image
Pole_Top_Discoveries
Details
  • Lot # 2496
  • System ID # 586797
  • End Date
  • Start Date
Description

#2496        735     U.P.R.R.      MULFORD & BIDDLE.       Dark blue with amber.     

Attractive and desirable blue coloration is further enhanced with amber streaks in the skirt.   The first exotic blue example we've ever encountered with nicely pronounced amber impurities. 

Mulford & Biddle was a company which operated in New York City area during the 1860’s. They advertised the sale of telegraph wire, and apparently also supplied other telegraph related materials, including insulators.

The insulators with additional “U.P.R.R.” embossing were produced for use on the historic, first transcontinental railroad in America.  Aqua examples have been discovered on the Wyoming and Utah segments of the 1860’s line.  The exotic blue beauties have been found in limited numbers in the central and eastern portion of Wyoming. 

All of the blue Mulford & Biddles are highly sought by collectors for several reasons.  Any vivid blue colored threadless is seldom encountered.  Plus, they are a popular pilgrim hat style, and they have important historical significance, being embossed with the name of the first transcontinental railroad in this country.  They are from a time period in American history when the pioneer spirit was strong and the West was just beginning to “open up.” 

A piece of the skirt was broken out and glued back in place, extending from the base below the "B," arcing toward the wire groove and back down to the base on the reverse (see first photo).  A piece of glass is missing on the opposite skirt, removing the "U" and part of the "P."  This was repaired long ago with casting resin, which shows some aging.  The old repair could be removed and replaced with a nicer looking new repair if so desired. 

A unique beauty!