2025 Pre '30 Sign & More Auction #1

The John Deere Gilpin Plow Sign may be one of the first metal signs distributed by John Deere. By using a chromolithograph 
printing process, it produced vivid, bright and detailed colors similar to the Gilpin trade card using the same image.
The image has been used prolifically by Deere over the years, yet the actual original sign never turns up, until now! A similar sign is on display at John Deere corporate, but shows a cultivator, not the Gilpin Plow. Is it a one-of-a-kind? 
Possibly, but in any instance, we know it is the most significant and monumental John Deere sign to truly ever hit the market!
While other Deere signs like the Smaltz Leaping Deere and the early Deere Walking Plow signs are highly prized, there have been numerous examples of those ones that have hit the market in the past. This metal sign with trade card like colors and incredible graphics of a historical and well-known part of John Deere’s history is what makes this sign the GOAT!

This sign was found recently in a barn in Polson, Montana. It is a 20” x 28” chromolithograph on metal produced by the Wells & Hope Company Chromo-Litho Iron Show Cards in Philadelphia, PA, sometime in the last quarter of the 1800’s. A curious use of the words “Iron Show Cards” in place of “sign” shows you just how early it is! The company was best known for colorful signs for breweries. The sign has a peculiar way to hang it with what we believe is the original wire. It is is attached to the sign by four cotter key type fasteners which mount the wire to the sign through 4 small original holes. Remnants of an original paper label are on the back of the sign, that clearly states it is from Deere & Co. The rest of the words are partial with the advice to hang the sign in a “conspicuous place” being the only apparent thing shown. It should be noted that this was before traditional Deere dealers as we would think of them today. We believe that these signs were likely sent to general mercantiles where the farm implements could be ordered through the catalog. The sign is die cut in a shield shape, with the colors of the sign still being just as striking and bright. 

There is some rust discoloration along the edges and on the back. Paint loss and discoloration is fairly insignificant with the worst 
being a dozen BB dings by some hooligan with a Daisy from many years ago! The sign does have damage as shown in the photographs but does not detract from it’s display and vintage charm. While we are careful to use the word “patina” in a 
description, that is what it is.

An extremely early sign that shows marks of age and time. This is truly an investment grade sign with historical significance!

Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co. seat/toolbox.  Shows wear.  25" x 12" x 14.25".

Measures 40 3/8" x 72" x 12 1/4". Manufactured by Acme Wiley(Chicago, IL). Slight break to neon on one side, near the eagle's beak, does not light up. Does hum under power. Cord is in good condition. Shows a few small spots of paint wear/loss around the field on both sides

Measures 59" x 24" x 8". Appears custom built. Works and lights as it should, very vibrant red lighting. Has a few slight cosmetic wear spots 

Measures 48" x 24" x 7 1/4". Appears custom built. Works and lights as it should, a very nice yellow. Has a very clean field

Measures 33 1/2" x 12 3/4". Manufactured by American Art Works Inc. Has wooden framing that is starting to seperate, light staining and cosmetic wear throughout the field, light rusting

Measures 63" x 22 1/2" in frame. From early F. W. Woolworth Co. dime store. Woolworth was a department store that was founded in 1879 and operated until 1997. There is some paint chipping to the sign(all internal), gold lettering is still fully intact. Frame is solid but does have a few small chips and other wear

Measures 30" x 70" x 30". Revolving parts bin. Has been mounted on rolling dolly. A few of the drawers have been reconstructed, others are faded but legible, a few small nicks to the wood

Reproduction, nice clean example