“Mickey Mouse” Telephone Insulator

Q:         What is a “Mickey Mouse” telephone insulator? I keep getting that reference when I check online for Mickey Mouse collectibles.

A:         Most telephone insulators, the glass pieces at the top of telephone poles that hold the wires, have rounded tops. A few varieties have protruding pieces that make the insulator look like a silhouette of Mickey Mouse’s head. The protruding pieces look like large ears. Because the name and shape are unusual, these insulators are popular with collectors.