Collectibles Antique Industrial Glass Appraisal

Hemingray No. 42 Glass Insulator

This is a vintage aqua-colored glass electrical insulator, specifically identified as a Hemingray No. 42 model. This particular design is often referred to by collectors as a 'double-petticoat' insulator due to its tiered, bell-shaped construction. Fabricated from thick, heavy-duty soda-lime glass, the item exhibits the classic blue-green 'aqua' tint characteristic of mid-20th-century industrial glass production. The bottom rim features rounded drip points designed to shed water and prevent electrical tracking. Embossed lettering is visible around the base, reading 'HEMINGRAY-42,' which was a hallmark of the Hemingray Glass Company, one of the most prolific manufacturers in the United States from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Based on the style and markings, this insulator likely dates between the 1920s and 1950s. The glass appears to be in good structural condition with no major chips or cracks visible in the primary dome, though minor 'flea bites' or small chips on the sharp edges of the drip points are common for pieces salvaged from telegraph or power lines. The piece shows a smooth, glossy surface with some internal air bubbles (seeds) which are typical of the manufacturing process of the era. The heavy mold lines indicate its industrial utility. Its scale is roughly 4 inches in height and 3.75 inches in diameter at the base.