by Robin Plewes » Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:18 am
Hi Rick:
Welcome to the Canadian forum and the hobby.
The first Canadian made insulators would probably be threadless 740s. There was an iron covered glass insulator used on the east coast that would be very early also, but I've never heard any thoughts as to who made it etc.
I'm sure you'll soon have some insulators. Just keep an eye on the classifieds, garage sales and perhaps the auction listings. If you see things like old bottles or RR gear mentioned, then there is a chance there will be some insulators also.
Collecting via the mail will also allow you to get insulators not found in your area. There are a few collector who specifically collect insulators for places quite far from home. There's a guy in TX who collects Diamond ponies ( Specifically from the Canadian Diamond Glass Co. ) that were never installed in TX.
Doug in Sudbury ( member of this forum ) collects insulators from all over the world and has a great collection.
Early insulators from the east coast were sent out west and reused in some cases. It will be interesting to hear what you find in Manitoba. There are not that many collectors in Man.
Good collecting ........... Robin in Ont.