This strange tie was found on an unmarked M-2430 Fred Locke. We puzzled over this, and figured out that the original 1903 era power line insulator was re-used during a later (1917) rebuild of the line on the communication circuit. It was probably a very long span, so they were more interested in an extra-secure tie than maximizing the insulation performance. Note also the metal pin-base and bolt, this would have given the mounting extra strength. It was found near the bottom of a long steep hill.