Here's an oddball strain bracket which originated from the Michigan Central / Canada Southern Railway telegraphs here in S.W. Ontario. I pulled a number off these off of downed poles back in 2004-2006 or so when the line was actively being abandoned, and I'm glad I did as much of it is completely gone now. These brackets saw use at regular intervals on poles where drop wires ran to stations, crossings, or signalling equipment.

From what I've been told, these specific brackets seem to be unique to the line, along with the strains they hold. As you can see, the strain orientation is backwards on these strains - with the bracket bolting into the outermost hole on one side, and the strain itself having grooves that curved towards their outer ends. This seems to be a very poor design and I'm surprised that the normal type of strain wasn't used. The embossing on the central column of the bracket reads "US PATENT / 1683109" on one side, and an unknown circular emblem - maybe a Line Materials emblem - with the number 14818 on the other.

This specific example is in good condition, with strong embossing on the cast iron parts, and just one 1/2" flake on the inner corner of one of the strains. It comes with the original iron bolt which held it to the arm, the nut on which still freely threads.

Now asking $50 USD plus shipping for this example. I'm always happy to trade for early Canadian glass or Canadian-made porcelain insulators. I accept PayPal, or personal cheque from any member of ICON or any collector with whom I have dealt before. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for more photos, and look through my other items or unsold sales stock to combine shipping on items.