The telegraph was invented in 1844. The devices developed to hold the electrical transmission wires to the poles were called insulators. The telephone, invented in 1876, also intensified their usefulness, and by the turn of the century, thousands of varieties were being produced in pottery, wood, and glass of various colors. The most common glass insulators today are in light aqua blue color. These usually sell for $1 at flea markets and garage sales around Washington County. A cs726 glass insulator in the color of red recently sold for $26,640 at Ray Klingensmiths Glass Discoveries Auctions in Parkman, Ohio. A cd 726 blue example (cd stands for consolidated design) sold for $8,400 and a bright aqua cd 736 E.R.W. (Erie Railway) sold for $10,080. If you have glass insulators you feel may be valuable, contact Ray Klingensmith at P.O. Box 628, Parkman, Ohio 44080 or give Klingensmith a call at (440) 548-5408 or e-mail Ray at ray@glassdiscoveries.com. Klingensmith also specializes in the sale of old bottles and other glass, and has set world records in doing so.
Marietta woman wants to rob her 115-year-old bank
Question: I have an old silver or pewter puzzle bank. The bank sits on a two-wheel metal dolley. The bank is in two halves. The top of the bank reads, "A BARREL OF MONEY," all in capitol letters marked "White City Bank." I could not find a date on the bank but I know it's old. I'm curious about the bank and also the money that's in it, for I don't know how to open the bank, thanks. - R.P., Marietta.
Answer: Your "White City Puzzle Cast Iron Bank" was manufactured by Nicol & Company Chicago, Illinois, as a souvenir for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. "White City" was not an actual name of a real bank. White City stood for Chicago 1893, one of the first users of "Public Electricity," so it was called "White City." To open your puzzle bank, the bank has a straight slot screw in the bottom. Turn the screw and it should open. You can get your money out through the front door. I'm also puzzled how much money is in your 115-year-old bank, so please write me and let me know. Your bank is worth from $200 up to $300 to a collector. One of these banks sold for $155 in 1989.
Q.: I have a child's wagon which originally belonged to my grandfather when he was a child, which would place its age at some 100 years old. Both sides of the wagon bear the words, "Auto Wheel Coaster." The wheels are made of iron. Is it possible for you to tell me if the age assumption is right and what the wagon may be worth? - J.M., Marietta.
A.: Your child's wagon was manufactured around 1916 by the Buffalo Sled Company in Terre Haute, Indiana. The company also had branches in New York, and Preston Ontario, Canada. The company was one of the largest coaster wagon manufacturer in the world. The company also manufactured children's sleds, scooters, pedal bikes, and bobsleds. The company was founded in 1889, and went bankrupt in 1964, and its original plant burned down in 1971. Your wagon is valued at $300 to $500, in excellent condition.
Treasure in the Attic appears every Monday on Life.
