Collecting John Deere Toys
John Deere is the American corporation best known for producing quality agricultural equipment. John Deere once said, "I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me." And that pretty much sums up why, when we think of things like mom and apple pie, we also think of the green and yellow of John Deere and the leaping deer icon. The John Deere history now spans 3 centuries and over that time John Deere toys, memorabilia, collectibles and models have become prized treasures to collectors around the world.
If you're a collector of antique toys do you have John Deere toys among them? Or are you just starting to collect? When most people start collecting it's more about what you like rather than any intentional design for a specific collection. And that's just fine.
Collect what you want, love and enjoy. Helping a youngster to begin collecting and appreciating something like John Deere toys will help them gain an understanding of the history of not just the John Deere company but also the U.S. And maybe those lessons will help to instill some of that great life ethic.
In the early part of the 20th Century many models of John Deere tractors and equipment were produced in tin. Although they are becoming scarce they can be found. Sometimes it takes a little time and a bit of searching to find exactly what you're looking for. There are a few companies around the world making new tin based John Deere toys. But as with any new collectible item don't expect to send the kids to college on the proceeds.
John Deere diecast models are extremely popular and with todays technology the level of detail is incredible. Ertl has a very close working relationship with the John Deere company and has again this year released new models of John Deere products from both the agricultural and forestry divisions.
If you set off to collect diecast models always save and protect the original boxes. Actually you should do that for all of your toys if they're available. If you need to remove tags from the toys, carefully cut them off and store them along with the original box. Some John Deere toys should never be removed from the box in order to retain their value...but...is it really a collectible if you can't enjoy it? Or just inventory?
Of course John Deere toys aren't just about collections...they should be fun, educational and stimulating for the little ones, too. Some of the best known books for youngsters are the Johnny Tractor and Danny Dozer series. If you haven't seen these they are well written and beautifully illustrated. There are big John Deere ride-on toys and puzzles and dozens of other There are lots of choices available to collectors of John Deere toys and memorabilia...enjoy.
