Van Depoele Electric Manufacturing Company Trolley Line Insulator, Used in Lynn, Massachusetts,1888

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Artifact Overview

Most electric streetcars took their power from an overhead wire. A trolley wheel, at the end of a spring-loaded pole, contacted the wire and collected electric current. Insulators made from non-conductive materials -- like glass, porcelain, rubber, or wood -- isolated the electrified contact wire from its supports.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Insulator

Date Made

1888

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.116.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Rubber (Material)
Cloth

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in
Width: 3.25 in
Length: 3.25 in