Blast from the Past: Highlights of July 2019
John Deere Collectibles: A Timeless Passion
In a small New England town, local collector Len Chase has been amassing a collection of John Deere toys and collectibles for over three decades. His passion for these items, rooted in the brand’s agricultural legacy, mirrors the enduring appeal of John Deere collectibles among enthusiasts worldwide.
Growing up, Len had to work hard to afford toys, a fact that instilled in him a strong work ethic and the need to grow up fast. This was further reinforced when he ran a farm at a young age due to the owner's illness. Today, Len's collection spans the breadth of John Deere's history, from vintage replicas to current high-fidelity pieces.
The history of John Deere collectibles is closely tied to the brand's long-standing reputation in agricultural machinery. Significant development milestones, such as the purchase of the Waterloo Boy Tractor Company in 1918, have contributed to the brand’s cultural significance [2][4]. This heritage has cultivated a strong collector’s market for John Deere farm toys, models, and memorabilia.
One of the most popular categories of John Deere collectibles is scale model tractors and implements. These items, appreciated for their detailed craftsmanship, reflect the brand’s historical significance and foster an emotional connection among enthusiasts [3]. For example, the Bruder 1:16 scale John Deere forestry tractor is admired for its realistic features and functional parts [5].
The appeal of John Deere collectibles extends beyond nostalgia. On social media platforms, videos and posts showcase children and hobbyists engaging with John Deere toys and models, indicating an ongoing appeal across generations [1]. The John Deere Store website also features a variety of toys in addition to clothing items, offering something for everyone.
The John Deere hat collection is a significant seller on the John Deere Store website, but it is not the top product group listing under the "toys" category. Under this category, Air Tools & Accessories is not a top product group listing. Interestingly, the "tote" category contains a black bag resembling a Louis Vuitton purse, a departure from the expected green and yellow John Deere colours.
In the "for the home" category, Air Tools & Accessories is the top product group listing with 50 products, followed by the Kitchen group with 44. More hats are listed for men (73) than for women (15). These findings offer insights into the preferences and purchasing habits of John Deere customers.
Len Chase's collection, like many others, testifies to the enduring allure of John Deere collectibles. From farm toys to hats, these items serve as tangible reminders of the brand’s rich history and cultural significance.
References:
[1] John Deere Collectibles: A Timeless Passion. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.johndeere.com/collectibles
[2] History of John Deere. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.johndeere.com/en-us/company/history.html
[3] John Deere Collectibles. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.johndeere.com/en-us/company/collectibles.html
[4] John Deere Acquires Waterloo Boy Tractor Company. (1918). Retrieved from https://www.johndeerearchive.com/articles/john-deere-acquires-waterloo-boy-tractor-company/
[5] Bruder 1:16 Scale John Deere Forestry Tractor. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bruder-toys.com/en/products/john-deere-forestry-tractor
In Len Chase's collection, one can find John Deere items that span various themes, such as toys, hats, and even home decor, demonstrating the versatility of John Deere collectibles. Beyond the agricultural legacy, these collectibles have become an integral part of contemporary lifestyle and home-and-garden decor, making shopping for John Deere items a delightful experience for fans of the brand.
