Discovery: A rare John Deere Gilpin Plow sign, dating back to the late 1800s, was found in a Polson, Montana barn.
Rarity: Believed to be one of the first signs distributed by John Deere, potentially one-of-a-kind. It features the Gilpin Plow, unlike a similar sign in Deere's corporate collection which depicts a cultivator.
Origin: Produced by the Wells & Hope Company Chromo-Litho Iron Show Cards of Philadelphia, PA. The term "Iron Show Cards" highlights its early origins.
Condition: Measures 20" x 28". Despite its age, it retains brilliant colors with minor wear, including edge rust and some BB dings. Remnants of an original Deere & Co. label instruct merchants to display it prominently.
Auction Details: Offered by Aumann Auctions, Inc. The online auction runs through April 28, 2025. As of April 4, 2025, the high bid reached $16,250.
Why this matters: This find is incredibly significant for agricultural history and advertising collectors due to its extreme rarity, historical context (predating official dealerships), and connection to the iconic John Deere brand and Gilpin Plow imagery. Its discovery offers a tangible link to the early days of farm equipment marketing.
The discovery of this John Deere sign is more than just finding an old advertisement; it's unearthing a potential cornerstone of the brand's early marketing efforts. Manufactured by the Wells & Hope Company, known primarily for brewery ads, this "Chromo-Litho Iron Show Card" showcases early, high-quality lithographic printing on metal.
Its significance is amplified by the depiction of the Gilpin Plow, an image synonymous with John Deere, yet never before seen on an original sign of this type available to the public. The closest comparison resides in John Deere's own archives, featuring a cultivator instead. This distinction makes the Polson find exceptionally rare, possibly unique.
The sign's existence predates the formal John Deere dealership network. The label remnants on the back, instructing display in a "conspicuous place," suggest these signs were distributed to general mercantile stores where farmers would place orders for implements. This offers valuable insight into 19th-century commerce and agricultural supply chains. Despite visible aging like edge rust and pellet marks, its core graphics remain vibrant, testament to the quality of late 1800s chromolithography. Aumann Auctions anticipates strong interest, recognizing its museum-worthy status.
Q: What makes this John Deere sign so special?
A: Its age (late 1800s), rarity (potentially unique Gilpin Plow depiction), manufacturing technique (chromolithographed metal), historical context (pre-dealership era), and its title by the auction house as possibly the "greatest John Deere sign of all time."
Q: Where was the sign found?
A: It was discovered inside a barn in Polson, Montana.
Q: How can someone bid on the sign?
A: Bidding is available online through the Aumann Auctions website until April 28, 2025, under the "2025 Pre-30 Sign & More Auction #1" section.
Historical Value: This sign is a tangible piece of American agricultural and advertising history, showcasing early John Deere branding.
Collector's Item: Finds like these highlight the potential value hidden in old barns and collections. Its rarity guarantees significant interest from collectors.
Brand Legacy: It underscores the long and influential history of the John Deere brand and its iconic imagery like the Gilpin Plow.
This incredible find connects us directly to the late 19th century. What antique treasures do you think might still be waiting to be discovered? Do you think this sign will set a new record for John Deere memorabilia? Let us know!
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Source 1: Auction company says "greatest John Deere sign of all time" found in Polson barn target="_blank"
Source 2: Aumann Auctions target="_blank"
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