Glass Lightning Rod Insulators

Lightning rod insulators (abbreviated LRIs) actually predate communication insulators!  These insulators were used to insulate the rod itself from its mounting as well as the grounding cable that would carry the current to the ground down the side of the house or barn that these were normally used on.  There is currently no hobby numbering system for LRIs.  Although the bulk come in aqua shades, there are also a great variety of styles and colors as shown below.  Thanks to Dwayne Anthony for these great photographs!

While the majority of these were made in aqua glass, there are some great colors available as shown here -- these styles would mount to a holder with the ground wire or lightning rod going through the center.

Some additional examples -- the three to the right were base mounted with the grounding wire tied through the hole with a tie wire.

Purple Cross-top Through hole style with original hardware

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