Some people say glass balls were added to lightning rods. If you like lightning rod balls and vanes, it is also essential to have a copy of the complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and mike bruner. Early metal barn cupola with lightning rod and blue glass ball intact, 73 tall. The complete book of lightning rod balls bruner, mike on. Some of the copper fancy lightning rod prices may vary due to fluctuating copper prices and available inventory of the items when they were manufactured. Jul 5, 2014 complete book of lightning rod balls on stay safe and healthy.
Are the glass balls i see on home and barn lightning rods purely ornamental, or do they serve a purpose perhaps they shatter when the rod is hit by lightning. Franklins lightning rods could soon be found protecting many buildings and homes. Jul 5, 2014 complete book of lightning rod balls on. Antique lightning rod balls antique bottle collectors haven. We have the best deals on lightning rod balls so stop by and check us out first. Any lightning rod can be customize to whatever you like. What are lightning rod balls constance says, the balls are only for decoration nowadays.
Lightning rod, metallic rod usually copper that protects a structure from lightning damage by intercepting flashes and guiding their currents into the ground. It is the goal of this guide to educate collectors to make confident informed. The complete book of lightning rod balls mike bruner, rod. If lightning hits the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire, instead of passing through the structure, where it could start a fire or cause electrocution. Colors generally speaking, there are roughly 25 different colors of antique glass lightning rod balls. Lightning rods is a satire on american corporate culture and social mores, which traps its readers and characters alike in mazes of rhetoric. Both are long out of print, and i was unable to obtain one for use in writing this article. If you like lightning rod balls and vanes, it is also essential to have a copy of the complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and. Helen dewitts protagonist is joe, a salesman who failed at selling encyclopedias and vacuum cleaners, but has his brightest idea when hope seems dim. You can either purchase the parts separately or as a complete weathervane which includes a base, lightning rod, directional arrow, compass set, glass ball, and the ornament of your choice.
Shop forand learn aboutantique weathervanes and lightning rods. A lightning rod us, aus or lightning conductor uk is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. Made for harger lightning protection from a mould originally belonging to the rodefer glass company. Plumcircle company info established in 2003, plumcircle has sold more than 2 million books, and has accomplished a 99.
The ironwork was not grounded, hence the burgoon is technically not a lightning rod ball but they fit right in. I have the cobalt but the amber and sca sun colored amthysist have eluded meuntil yesterday that is. The lightning rod constructed on the dome of the state house in maryland was the largest franklin lightning rod ever attached to a public or private building in bens lifetime. No, the lightning current travels quickly down the lightning rod that runs through the ball and leaves the ball unharmed. A lightning rod is an object made of metal that is mounted on top of a building designed to protect it in the event of lightning strike. I dont fully understand if youve noticed, yet theres a fantastic feeling of liberation that employs shedding reproduction lightning rod balls stuff. The first weather vanes were made by the ancient greeks, but it was not until after benjamin franklin became fascinated with lightning that the first lightning rods were used. Lightning rod weather vanes balls triangle lighting antiques book vintage collection. Most of these weathervanes and lightning rod balls have spent most of their life on top of a roof, most of these date from the civil war to the great depression. More fancy lightning rods home lightning rod parts and. There are few lrbs lightning rod balls on my want list, but highup on that list is the extremely rare burgoon.
The complete book of lightning rod balls book, 1995. Money back guarantee ensures you receive the item you ordered or get your money back. If you have any questions or you would like any additional pictures, let me know. A quick guite to antique weather vanes and lightning rods. Nsew and glass tail arrow in copper color aluminum. Make offer vintage john deere weather vane, barn or house complete. The information used to compile this article was found in the complete book of lightning rod balls by krupkabruner and the lightning rod collectibles price guide by russell barnes. More fancy lightning rods balls ornaments choose any color ball on all lightning rods all lightning protection equipment and fancy lightning rods are made in the usa note. Lightning rod balls for sale vintage antiques for sale. Department of agriculture protection of buildings and farm property from lightning, farmers bulletin no. Lightning rod balls a few from our collection peachridge glass. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. A book, the complete book of lightning rod balls with prices, is also available.
A lightning rod us, aus or lightning conductor is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. The complete book of lightning rod balls by mike bruner. National depression glass association lightning balls. Bell, watson, veit and american life 18761976 1977 brooks, john. Also available for pickup at the springfield, oh, insulator show on 4 november.
January 2008 lightning rod balls antique warehouse. Often, a weather vane was also mounted on the lightning rod along with the ball. The lure of a gorgeous piece of glass can be intoxicating regardless of its age or value. The complete book of lightning rod balls first edition mike bruner, rod krupka, robert martin on. Lightning balls national depression glass association. Lightning rods by helen dewitt goodreads share book. Because lightning tends to strike the highest object in the vicinity, rods are typically placed at the apex of a structure and along its. The complete book of lightning rod balls with prices 1982 the complete book of lightning rod balls 2nd edition 1989 dooner, kate e. Lightning rod collectibles, lightning rod balls, weathervanes. Ferro weathervanes weathervanes, finials, spires, roof. These reproduction balls can be used for their pretty looks or for their same historic purpose. I have been in the hobby for almost 40 years makes me sound old.
You can either purchase the parts separately or as a complete weathervane which includes a base, lightning rod, directional arrow, compass set, glass ball. All previously scheduled classes, events, and programs are cancelled until further notice. Hope you enjoy the pics and sharing my joy in this find. They complete the phallic symbolism of the lightning rod. The complete book of lightning rod balls first edition. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. See todays antique lightning rod for sale, best offer and auction. Lightning rod balls by rod krupka kovels price guide on lightning rod balls lightning rod ball collectors guide 1973 book by frazier is a good reference but hard to find since it is out of print. Books dolls games guitars movies music memorabilia paper records. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod, lightning.
Lightning rod balls totems for the garden flea market. Cobalt grape glass lightning rod ball roof cabin decor weathervane globe. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod, weather vanes, balls. I am still looking for rare items that i do not have. The glass balls on a lightning rod are decorative only. Our commitment to quality coupled with our aggressive pricing ensures you the best value on top of the line lightning protection, regardless of your application. Will the glass balls light up when lightning strikes. Electra glass old lightning rod ball amethyst 8 sided. More fancy lightning rodsballsornaments choose any color ball on all lightning rods all lightning protection equipment and fancy lightning rods are made in the usa. Find great deals on ebay for lightning rod balls when you shop the largest online selection at. Antique weathervanes and lightning rods collectors weekly. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study.
Fenton milk white glass lightning rod ball globe with brass end cap collectable. If lightning hits the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire, instead of passing through the structure. The complete book of lightning rod balls mike bruner. Automatic lightning protection is the premier supplier of usa made and ul approved lightning rod parts and equipment. The majority of us have several unique and even creative reproduction lightning rod balls around within our homes or simply garages hanging around to be make use of. Lightning rod balls and weathervane collection collectors. Glass lightning rod balls found tucked away in the barn minnesota couple who are longtime collectors of old farmrelated items stumble upon a great find. Lightning rod ball collectors guide, patterns, variations, colors, prices. Search for library items search for lists search for contacts search for a library. The rods were placed on houses and barns and had a strand of copper wire that ran down into the ground and was connected to a ground rod to protect from lighting strikes.
According to russell barnes, in his book, the lightning rod collectibles price guide, there are about 25 different colors of lightning rod balls, including four. Get the best deals on lightning rod ball when you shop the largest online selection at. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod. This in depth video explains the steps our glass blowers take in the creation of these artistic. That was the sign for the homeowner to inspect ground wiring. A quarterly newsletter, the crown point can be ordered from their web site. Here are my lightning rod balls and weathervane collection that ive been collecting over the years. The corning museum of glass is temporarily closed as we do our part to limit the spread of covid19.
This book focuses on the description and illustrations of all confirmed patterns of lightning rod balls, with current 1995 prices. Formats and editions of the complete book of lightning rod. The complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and mike bruner. The complete book of lightning rod balls plastic comb 1989 by mike bruner author see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Many lightning rod balls are bought and sold online at ebay. Extremely rare burgoon ball aquired by jeff burkhardt. This includes adding weather vanes, custom made glass balls available in various styles, colors and sizes, arrows with stain glass tails, and compass points. The photos give you an idea of the various styles clients have chosen. I buy, sell, and trade lightning rod balls, weathervanes, rods, tips, etc. Tower models old fashioned love lightning rod weather vanes second empire wind power glass ball birdhouses yard art.
Krupka and bruner lovingly and thoroughly researched and compiled the extensive information in this book. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. No, capturing some of the energy from a lightning discharge is beyond the capabilities of these simple glass globes. Antique lightning rods are often regarded as regarded as works of folk art, in a similar manner to weathervanes and other decorative items of metalwork. A wealth of historical information is also included along with company illustrations from original catalogues and patent information. The complete book of lightning rod balls mike bruner, rod krupka. Lightning rod ball collectors guide 1973 book by frazier is a good reference but hard to find since it is out of print.
Complete book of lightning rod balls ferro weathervanes. Weathervanes, glass balls, and decorative air terminals lightning rods add a unique and personal decorative touch to your roof. Upon request i introduce, making a lightning rod ball. Some copper fancy lightning rod prices may vary due to fluctuating copper prices and available inventory of the items when they were manufactured. In victorian times, lightning rod salesmen told their customers that these glass balls with their metal collar, would shatter with a lightning strike.
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