John Deere Collectibles Tips

For most folks collecting "just happens." All of a sudden you realize there are a dozen pink elephants around your home or you get a gift of 5 new diecast cars for the holidays with a note attached that says "to go with your diecast collection."

For others collecting is a personal decision...something to remember a trip, fun stuff found on a shopping trip or a way to personalize your home.

Either way you can be smart and collect what you like.

1. What is a John Deere Collectible?
That means different things to different people. If you were to ask someone who doesn't collect they might think it's a cigarette lighter stamped with the John Deere logo and painted green. Or a plate with a picture of a John Deere tractor in front of a barn. In other words...an object of some kind.

But if you ask a John Deere collector you'll get an answer that covers a myriad of areas like how they feel when they look at the object, what it took to find it, maybe what they paid for it. While collectors always hope the collection will become valuable that's usually the last reason they started the collection.

Both answers are correct! A John Deere item, whether it's a tin advertising sign from 1936 or a new Ertl John Deere diecast tractor is a collectible because you want it.

2. What John Deere items to collect?
This one's easy...collect what you want and enjoy looking at. If you don't like something don't buy it just because it's what you think is a great price. And unless you know the market inside and out for an item don't buy based on what you think it will bring in the market place. That's speculation...not collecting. Buy it if you like and enjoy it.

3. Limited Edition or Premiere items?
As you look through advertisements for John Deere items you'll often run across the term "Limited Edition." That could be anything the maker wants it to mean...limited to the year, limited to a certain number produced? Always find out what the limiting factor is, how many were really made, will it be produced again. Other terms used may be "Special Release", "Premiere" or terms similar. Always find out what is different between the special item and the regular item. A good example is the difference between Ertl's regular farm toys and their Premiere editions. At a quick glance, except for slight packaging differences, the models look the same. But on closer inspection the Premiere edition has considerably more detail, nicer coloring and better graphics. That doesn't mean that the standard model couldn't be part of a collection if that's what you want...all it means is that in the case of Ertl's Premier versions they are produced with greater detail that does enhance their value to some collectors.

4. Collectible Condition?
Unless a John Deere toy was the absolute last one on the planet I would never buy one that was not in good condition with all the parts present and accounted for. There is seldom a reason that you shouldn't buy the best example of the item that you can find. On John Deere toys, and any metal object, always look for rust, missing parts and that, in the case of items that have a function, it's working.

While I love to display my things out of their boxes always keep the box the item came in. And keep the box protected from fading and damp conditions.

5. Keep It Clean!
You've spent dollars finding and buying your John Deere collectible items...take care of them! Don't put items that can fade, which means most things, in direct sunlight. Keep them dusted and be very cautious about using any kind of chemical cleaner that could fade or melt your things. About the melt thing? Ask me how I know. Suffice to say I only use safe cleaning methods now.

6. Do Research
There are tons of tools to use in researching John Deere items, their history, how many were produced, who made them, etc. Go to toy shows, swap meets, seek out your local 2nd hand shops and visit the estate sales in your area. The Internet is a great source of information.

eBay! is a great resource to find what is available and prevailing prices. New to eBay? Start Here!

I have 2 favorite book sources I've used over the last 3 or 4 years.

The first is John Deere Farm Toys: Identification Guide, Value Guide, Inventory List by Bill Vossler.

The second is John Deere Collectibles by Brenda Kruse.

Both books cover a lot ground about John Deere collectibles that has been missing. Promotional items, advertising literature, banners and signs, John Deere toy manufacturers, logo information and history...in other words these are a tremendous resource for those who love all things green and collect John Deere toys, memorabilia and collectibles.

If you do a little simple research and know what you like you can easily grow your John Deere collection and display it for your enjoyment.