The "Benedict" insulator. circ. 1848. This piece was found in Lawrenceville, NY. It is said to be one of twelve known. The iron cap was filled with glass and the iron pin was then inserted. The two ears at the top of the cap held the wire and a small wire through the holes secured the wire in place. What a great piece of early telegraph history. Thank you, Mike Guthrie, for letting this piece out of your fantastic collection.