Hemingray-17 Glass Insulator Value Guide

The Hemingray-17 glass insulator is a quintessential piece of American utility history, manufactured by the renowned Hemingray Glass Company between 1920 and 1950. These clear glass components were essential for maintaining signal integrity on telegraph and telephone lines, making them highly collectible artifacts of early telecommunications infrastructure.

What Is Hemingray-17 Glass Insulator Worth?

The typical price range for Hemingray-17 Glass Insulator is $40 - $45 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original mold marks and the clarity of the 'HEMINGRAY-17' embossing significantly impact the $40-$45 price point.
• Physical condition is paramount; value decreases with chips, 'flea bites', or internal fractures caused by weather exposure.
• The specific production year within the 1920-1950 range can influence rarity among specialized collectors.
• Glass clarity and the absence of clouding or 'sickness' from long-term outdoor exposure preserve the item's market value.

How to Identify Hemingray-17 Glass Insulator?

• Look for the embossed 'HEMINGRAY-17' text clearly visible on the skirt of the glass.
• Verify the presence of a smooth or drip-point base, characteristic of authentic mid-century production molds.
• Check for the specific clear glass composition used by Hemingray during the 1920-1950 era.
• Inspect the internal threading for consistent molding patterns typical of United States manufacturing standards.

History of Hemingray-17 Glass Insulator

Glass insulators were crucial for early telegraph and telephone lines, preventing electrical current from escaping into the support poles. Hemingray Glass Company, established in 1848, became a dominant force in insulator production by the late 19th century. Their insulators, like the -17 model, were widely used across North America and are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance and variety in color and mold marks.