96

Corkscrew Insulators

On May 1, 1883, Joseph S. Lewis of Birkenhead, County of Chester, England was

granted U. S. Patent Number 276,839 for his

―

Insulator for Telegraph-Wire

‖

. In his

application he describes the corkscrew like appearance of the top with

―

the invention

consists in forming a conical and expanding screw-thread upon the exterior of the

upper portion of the insulator, which screw-thread is similar to that upon the point of a

gimlet.

‖

Above right is an example of a

―

corkscrew insulator

‖

marked NEW ENG TEL &

TEL.

On April 28, 1883

The Telegraphic Journal and Electrical Review

reported on the Patent

Self-Binding Telegraph Insulator Company (Limited) raising funds:

―

Capital £5,000, in

£1 shares. Objects : To purchase the letters patent of Joseph Slater Lewis, of Birkenhead,

for improvements in or relating to insulating apparatus for overhead telegraph lines

and other wires for carrying electric currents. Signatories (with 1 share each): J. S. Lewis,

Birkenhead; J. Thornely, Helsby; J. Moss, Helsby; J. Brandreth, Helsby; J. G. Thomson,

Neston; W. V. Thompson, Liverpool; D. J. McKenzie, Liverpool. Mr. J. S. Lewis is

appointed managing director Registered 19th inst., by Chester & Co., Staple Inn.

‖