Hemingray Glass Telephone/Telegraph Insulator

This is a vintage aqua green molded glass electrical insulator, likely manufactured by the Hemingray Glass Company. The item features a classic 'pony' or 'beehive' profile with multiple tiered petticoats designed to shed water and prevent electrical leakage. It is constructed from thick, heavy soda-lime glass, characterized by its translucent teal-blue hue. Visible around the bottom circular base is the embossed text 'MADE IN U.S.A.', a common identifier for mid-20th-century utility glass. The top of the insulator has a rounded dome and a deep wire groove designed for securing telegraph or telephone lines. In terms of condition, there is a visible impact bruise or flake on the top dome, as well as minor surface scuffing throughout. The internal threading appears intact. Small air bubbles, or 'seed' bubbles, are visible within the glass, which are typical manufacturing artifacts of the era, likely dating from the 1920s to the 1950s. The base displays 'drip points' or nibs (not fully visible from this top-down angle but typical of the Hemingray process) which were designed to help moisture drop away more efficiently. The glass shows some 'orange peel' texture and light soot or dirt accumulation typical for a found utility object.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this aqua glass utility insulator. Based on the embossed 'MADE IN U.S.A.' mark, 'drip point' base design, and profile, this is a common Hemingray Glass Company production, likely a No. 42 or similar model produced between the 1920s and 1950s. The 'aqua' color is the most prolific shade in the insulator market, as it was the standard for soda-lime utility glass. In terms of condition, the visible impact flake on the dome and surface scuffing are significant detractors. In the insulator collecting hobby (NIA), condition is paramount; even minor 'flea bites' or 'train smoke' stains can lower a grade. The market for common Hemingray pieces is currently saturated. While they are iconic pieces of industrial Americana, millions were produced and many thousands remain in circulation. Recent sales for this specific model in average condition typically fall in the $5 to $12 range. The value is driven more by decorative 'repurposing' demand than by high-end rarity. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A physical inspection is required to confirm the 'CD' (Consolidated Design) number and to check for hidden stress cracks or 'sickness' (glass sickness/clouding) that may not be apparent in photos. Full authentication would involve checking the sharpness of the threading and verifying that the color has not been altered through artificial irradiation. Provenance is rarely a factor for utility glass unless it can be linked to a specific historic telegraph line.