Mark Lauckner artist in glass
Mayne Island Glass Foundry
Site-27 C-8 RR#1 Mayne Island, BC V0N 2J0 Canada

2007 Insulator Paperweights

History:

I began collecting insulators in 1973, when I was 12. I accumulated a very large collection with over 3700 different pieces by the time I was 40. It was coloured glass insulators that led to my interest and involvement with making glass. After researching and writing a book on Canadian insulators, writing over 35 research articles on glass factory and telegraph company histories, and contributing other resources to the promotion of the historical aspect of antique insulator collecting, I finally am able to realize one of my dreams... a museum of antique telegraph and telephone insulators.

The Museum:

Click on photos to see enlargements

I had a building to move in 2005, so after re-assembling it, I finally had the space to house the insulator museum. It now contains 650 running feet of shelving, over 2200 specimens, and ample historical information. As a "private" museum, I have decided to open it to the public with no admission charge. Money for paying the light bill, etc. will be raised through the sale of a series of insulator "paperweights". These are being offered to visitors to the museum and will also be offered for purchase online.

2007 Insulator Paperweight Series

The 2007 series is based on the "short beehive" Canadian Railway telegraph insulator. Each one is embossed, " Mayne Island Insulator Museum" on the front skirt side, and "BC Canada 2007" on the base. These paperweights have no pinhole and are solid-poured, with an indentation in the bottom which produces "skirt sides".

I have decided to offer the 2007 series online. The set contains 6 colours:

Dark Ruby Red

Opalescent Orange

Dark Green

Orange Amber

Cobalt Blue

Mustard/Citrine yellow -
with a piece of old rusty barbed wire
embedded in the dome

Here are some pictures of the 2007 series:


dark ruby red	opalescent orange	dark green

orange amber

cobalt blue

citrine/mustard yellow
with barbed wire

I have also produced a small number of rich turquoise blue, but they are not included in the "set" of 6.

turquoise blue

These are available in sets of 6 only. There are a limited number of sets available. Sorry, no single pieces will be available at this time, as they will break up the complete sets.

Pricing:

Set of 6 includes postage (USA or Canada) $150
A free extra turquoise with the first 15 orders

Payment methods:

Paypal

VISA (call me to purchase with VISA credit card 250-539-2002)

Personal check or money order mailed to:
Mark Lauckner
27-8 Skana Gate Rd
Mayne Island, BC
Canada V0N 2J0

Now available

The set of 6 Insulator Paperweights for 150.00 post-paid
A free extra turquoise with the first 15 orders


pouring into mold	glass after pressing

open mold showing barbed wire in dome

I also produced one of these in 2006. The 2006 series was not offered for sale online. It was modelled after a rare and desirable patented shape of insulator used on the Collins' Overland Telegraph line (1865) which paralleled the Old Cariboo Wagon Road in British Columbia.

2006 insulator paperweight commemorative

Click on photos to see enlargements