1876 DEER LOGO DEBUTS

1912 TRADEMARK

1936 SHIELD LOGO

1937 VARIATION

1950 QFE LOGO

1956 4-LEGGED LOGO

1968 2-LEGGED LOGO

NEW 2000 LOGO

OFFICIAL TRADEMARKS  Since 1876, the leaping deer symbol has served as the identifying icon of Deere & Company. Over its 125-year history, the trademark transformation ranged from the first four-legged leaping-over-the-log deer to the newest two-legged streamlined version. As John Deere's business experienced rapid growth, many of its factories and branch houses created separate identities. A single official trademark was not enforced until the 1960s, although the number of variations seems to be limited after the centennial in 1937. This logo legend will help collectors identify and date trademarked objects.  1876 - John Deere's business is almost 40 years old. The deer debuts as a four-legged version leaping over a log. Notice the front right leg is kicked forward and the word "Trademark" is written inside the log. (Shown on a commemorative watch fob)  1912 - The next official progression of the leaping deer shows just three legs, a larger log, and detailed shading in the deer's body. The main wording remains the same, with the addition of "The Trade Mark of Quality Made Famous By Good Implements" text below. (Shown on a celluloid tape measure)  1936 - Deere's centennial a year later resulted in a number of collectibles bearing this shield-shaped logo. The deer again has four legs, but has been simplified to an all-solid design. Upon closer inspection, note the longer tail and visible left ear in the artwork. (Shown on door of scale-model parts truck)  1937 - This slight variation of the centennial trademark is not found all that often. It's the same as the 1936 version but without the shield shape and the "Trade Mark" wording at the very bottom. This design was probably the simplified version for castings. (Shown on a mower gearbox lid)  1950 - This represents a significant change in the design. The deer still has four legs but the rear legs are kicked up higher and the rack now points forward instead of backward. The lettering changed as well, with "John Deere" at the top and "Quality Farm Equipment" in a shaded area at the bottom. Collectors often refer to this as the "QFE" logo. Many collectibles sport this trademark design. (Shown on celluloid tape measure)  1956 - The famed four-legged deer logo is simplified further to a version nearly identical to the current trademark. The black shape with white deer and the words "John Deere" can be found on many pieces of memorabilia from the late 1950s and 1960s. This trademark is often associated with the "New Generation" tractors introduced in 1960. (Shown on tractor grille)  1968 - Deere & Company unified its trademark as a sleek two-legged deer. The general black shape became more of a square but is very similar to the 1956 version. The deer artwork was simplified again with just two legs and a four-point rack pointing forward. With 32 years of reign, this trademark enjoyed the second longest stint in Deere's logo history. (Shown on gold dice-shaped collectible)   2000 to present- The new millennium marks another new trademark for Deere & Company. The deer is now leaping upward rather than landing and sports sharper edges as well as aggressive styling. The words "John Deere" project a stylish typeface and are now separated from the deer symbol. The outer shape is even more square with sharper outer edges. (Shown on flag flying outside Pavilion)   DISCLAIMER: ALL TRADEMARKS SHOWN ARE PROPERTY OF DEERE & COMPANY AND NO AFFILIATION IS INTENDED OR IMPLIED. THE LOGOS ARE ONLY ILLUSTRATED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES RELATED TO THE COLLECTIBLE & MEMORABILIA HOBBY.

1880 - Not considered an official trademark, this variation was used by Deere's sales branches, primarily by Deere & Webber in Minneapolis. The forward-facing deer can be found sticking through a large letter "D" or in a circle surrounded by starburst artwork. (Shown on a carriage tag)