Lynchburg Insulators

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Lynchburg CD 145 NO. 43 Standard Western Union Double Petticoat

CD 145, Telegraph

   *all 9 molds were produced as both an unumbered and numbered mold

Colors: Lt. Aqua, Aqua, Lt. Blue Aqua, Lt. Green Aqua

The Lynchburg CD 145 was made from retooled Brookfield molds. As with the other reused Brookfield molds, there is no record of how or when Lynchburg obtained these molds. Since Lynchburg obtained two Brookfield Kribs automatic insulator presses, it is possible that they obtained the molds for the CD 145 at the same time. Since the first production run of the CD 145 was in early January, 1924 (Jan 6-Jan 19), the molds were obviously at Lynchburg by late 1923.

As was normal for Brookfield molds, there are slight differences between individual molds. However, there are two readily identifiable types of Lynchburg CD 145.

Type I was made from Brookfield B molds originally lettered for Canada's Grand Trunk Pacific Telephone Company (G.T.P.). On most Type I pieces, remnants of two Brookfield blotouts are visible: 1) either three large or several small circles on the front beneath the L logo blotting out G.T.P.; 2) and a large circular blotout on reverse blotting out B. These molds have a single or double reversed 2 on the top of crown. Type I molds have a slightly smaller and shallower wire groove and are slightly taller (1-2mm) than Type II molds.

Some have suggested that these Type I may have been made from Brookfield B molds that had earlier been retooled by Brookfield from BGMCo molds. However, this is unlikely since the shape of the wire groove is slightly deeper on most original B.G.M. Co. molds as well as having a slightly heavier profile (see below).

Type II was made from Brookfield molds lettered only with a B. On most molds, a single circle blot-out above NO. 43 on the reverse indicates where the B lettering was erased. Type II molds have either XO or X1 on crown top. These have a slightly deeper wire groove and are shorter by 1-2mm.

CD 145 Brookfield-made G.T.P	CD 145 Brookfield G.T.P showing B on reverse.	Type I from GTP mold (I, Mold 4)	Type II from Brookfield B mold (II, Mold 8)

Comparison of CD 145: B.G.M.Co. (left) and Lynchburg Type I (right), showing difference in wire groove and profile.

All lettering on the molds is hand engraved, with the exception of mold numbers that are usually die stamped and slightly recessed. All 9 molds were first made with shallow lettering and before carrying a mold number (see below). They were all later given a number. The lettering on numbered pieces was strengthened and is generally bold and even with triangular edges, with the 43 on the reverse much less pronounced with rounded edges. On some pieces the lettering is fainter or indistinct due to mold wear. Brookfield shop markings appear on the crown of all molds: a backward 2 or a backward double 2 (Type I), or either XO or X1 (Type II). These only occur with CDP, in some cases slanted inward, and in a narrow range of colors.

Lynchburg produced 23,040 CD 145. They were all made in 1924: between January 7 and 19; the week ending March 8; and the week ending March 22. A large number of these, especially the unumbered molds, were used on a single line in southwestern Virginia.

There are confirmed 9 unnumbered molds (indicated by letters, Mold A, etc.) and 9 corresponding numbered molds of CD 145. The unnumbered molds were all later retooled and numbered, as indicated below. Of these there are 4 Type I molds and 5 Type II molds. There are no duplicate mold numbers between the two types. Molds in black have been confirmed but do not yet have photos.

Additional Information

* while the Price Guide lists molds without any blotouts, all nine molds of Lynchburg CD 145 have blotouts of a B on one side and Type I molds also have blotouts that erased G.T.P. on the other side. While the blotouts are less distinct on some pieces, they occur on all molds of CD 145.

** this Price Guide listing assumes that the blotout on the front removed B. However, the single B blotout occurs on the reverse of all molds. It is more likely that the front blotouts that occur on all Type I removed G.T.P., although not all of the blotouts are distinct on all pieces. Molds confirmed with front blotouts also have a reverse blotout.

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