RAVE REVIEW FROM
FARM MACHINERY ADVERTISING COLLECTORS,
DECEMBER 2000

I "tip my hat" to Brenda Kruse (99-399) for publishing the first major book covering John Deere collectibles. Brenda, an Iowa farm girl turned writer, states in the press release that her father-in-law (Jim Kruse, 98-278) was frustrated that there was no single resource collecctors could go to for accurate information on the John Deere items he collected. She says, "he became my inspiration for putting this book together." I also note with interest that Brenda acknowledges Dean Stump (95-62) and Dale Lenz (99-437) for making available some of their prized possessions that are shown inthe many beautiful and artfully laid out photographs in the book. She also credits Kurt Aumann (95-44) "whose knowledge of the industry as a collector and auctioneer added a special touch." It's great to see in print the results of FMAC members sharing their knowledge to benefit the hobby.

How does one begin to organize a book that covers the range of advertising and promotional items produced by a company that has been in business for 164 years? Brenda decided to provide an overview of the range of John Deere collectibles on the market today with an emphasis on memorabilia produced before 1960. The introductory chapter cleverly identifies the reasons so many of us enjoy collecting John Deere memorabilia. The other chapters cover promotional items ("trinkets"), ephemera, antique iron, toys and "catch all." Over 1,000 items, ranging from the common to scarce and extremely rare, are shown in mostly color photographs of 1-20 items with brief captions that identify each of the items. Deere & Co. authorized most of the items shown, but, as an aid to new collectors, she carefully identifies those items shown which were unauthorized or are known fakes. In addition, APPENDIX A, VALUE GUIDES lists, by chapter shown, the items with brief descriptive remarks, the dates produced and an estimated range of values. I found that the range of values reasonably reflect the current market. However, for truly rare and highly prized items, the markets are less predictable.

Readers of this book will benefit not only from the detailed information brenda has provided about the JD collectibles we cherish and collect, but also how they reflect the history of not only the parent Deere & Co. but also the companies they acquired, the co-partnerships, branch offices and factories. Brenda also devotes a page to illustrate the various official trademarks and their dates of use. Be sure to catch her clever titles for various sections such as "A Brand Burns Bright" for the matches and lighters section and "Cutting Edge Promotional Items" for the section on knives and letter openers.

Brenda also makes a great point that many old-time John Deere dealers would be surprised to discover that these cheap, disposable advertising items are now worth more than the equipment the trinket was intended to promote.

Check out her ad on how and where to purchase a copy of this great book. I understand it is also available elsewhere but then you would not have an autographed copy, which will make it a highly cherished John Deere collectible!

By David Schnakenberg