Ancient John Deere advertising sign auctioned for a record sum

A significant discovery has stirred up excitement among John Deere and agricultural machinery enthusiasts: a metal advertising sign has emerged in a barn in the United States, unknown even to the museum. This was a time when there were no John Deere dealers yet.

In a barn in Polson, Montana, a 50 x 71 cm John Deere chromolithograph on metal was recently uncovered. It was manufactured sometime in the last quarter of the 19th century by Wells & Hope Company Chromo-Litho Iron Show Cards in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Experts were amazed as this particular motif was previously undisclosed. It depicts three horses pulling a Gilpin plow. A similar sign is present in the John Deere collection, but it showcases a cultivator instead of the Gilpin plow, potentially making this piece unique, as explained by the auction house Aumann Auctions, Inc., which examined this rare find.

Remarkably well-preserved, the sign retains its vivid colors and distinctive design, showing only minor signs of age-related wear, such as rust spots at the edges and a dozen dents. On the back, remnants of an original Deere & Co. label instruct dealers to display it prominently. This dates back to a time before the establishment of traditional John Deere dealerships, indicating that such signs were likely shipped to general stores where customers could order agricultural equipment.

What truly sets this sign apart is its historical significance, impressive graphics, and unparalleled rarity, it is said.

"This is undoubtedly one of the most significant John Deere signs ever auctioned," says Roger Johnson, auction specialist at Aumann Auctions, Inc. "Collectors are aware of the importance of this find."

As expected, the response at the subsequent auction was substantial. In the end, it sold for a proud $71,500 to its new owner.