Spratts stopper?

[ChrisP1]

Hey folks,

I found this green blue glass stopper under a home dating from the mid to late 1700's about 10 years ago. It is embossed "SPRATTS" on one side "PATENT" on the other and there is a raised wedge/key under the top that has the date "185?" embossed on it. I believe the last number is "9" but it could be a "0".

Any idea what this is?

 

[ChrisP1]

Another view...

 

[ChrisP1]

Another view...

 

[ChrisP1]

Last view...

 

[Mike O]

What you actually have there is a lightning rod insulator

 

[ChrisP1]

OK, thanks Mike...I had no idea there were such things.

 

[Bixel]

If in better condition, that piece would bring 30-50 dollars. With the amount of flaking, the broken side tab, and the glass sickness, probably only worth 5-10 bucks.

 

[botlguy]

ORIGINAL: Bixel

 If in better condition, that piece would bring 30-50 dollars. With the amount of flaking, the broken side tab, and the glass sickness, probably only worth 5-10 bucks.

Actually, that is one of the earliest, most desireable Lightning Rod Insulators and even in that conditio may be worth a bit more than Kyle estimated. Check with those specialty collectors to make sure,

 

[surfaceone]

"SPRATT (JAMES) (circa 1845 - 1852 & 1854 - 1858)
James Spratt was in the lighting rod business from 1845 to 1850 according to Cincinnati, Ohio directories and opened the lightning rod business on 5th Street in Cincinnati in July of 1848. He was granted a patent on February 5th 1850 for improvement in attachments for lightning conductors. In 1855 he apparently was no longer involved with the lightning rod business and was listed as a self-sealing fruit can manufacturer at 234 Walnut Street. He patented an improvement for sealing cans (prior to this the cans had been sealed with solder) on July 18, 1854 with a screw type closure which was first installed and then sealed again with wax. The Lightning Rod Insulator displayed although not rare is one of the lesser found rounded dome pieces which has Spratt Patent embossed around the top rim and the 1850 date on the tab. They have been found in various shades of aqua and green. The Can displayed was found in New Hampshire some years ago and carries Spratt's name, the patent date, and the name of a jobber or manufacture who used his product and was located in New York City. The cans are among the oldest dated cans and come in quarts and half gallons." From.

From.

Additional information and photos are HERE.

 

[Leasacks]

Wow! Learn something new everyday! []