The GOAT of John Deere Signs!
One-of-a-kind original John Deere Sign
Mar 28, 2025
So what makes this sign the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)? Rarity? Condition? Historical significance? Subject matter? All those things in our opinion! The John Deere Gilpin Plow Sign may be one of the first metal signs distributed by John Deere. By using a chromolithograph printing process, it produced vivid, bright and detailed colors similar to the Gilpin trade card using the same image.
The image has been used prolifically by Deere over the years, yet the actual original sign never turns up, until now! A similar sign is on display at John Deere corporate, but shows a cultivator, not the Gilpin Plow. Is it a one-of-a-kind? Possibly, but in any instance, we know it is the most significant and monumental John Deere sign to truly ever hit the market!
While other Deere signs like the Smaltz Leaping Deere and the early Deere Walking Plow signs are highly prized, there have been numerous examples of those ones that have hit the market in the past. This metal sign with trade card like colors and incredible graphics of a historical and well-known part of John Deere’s history is what makes this sign the GOAT!
This sign was found recently in a barn in Polson, Montana. It is a 20” x 28” chromolithograph on metal produced by the Wells & Hope Company Chromo-Litho Iron Show Cards in Philadelphia, PA, sometime in the last quarter of the 1800’s. A curious use of the words “Iron Show Cards” in place of “sign” shows you just how early it is! The company was best known for colorful signs for breweries. The sign has a peculiar way to hang it with what we believe is the original wire. It is is attached to the sign by four cotter key type fasteners which mount the wire to the sign through 4 small original holes.
Remnants of an original paper label are on the back of the sign, that clearly states it is from Deere & Co. The rest of the words are partial with the advice to hang the sign in a “conspicuous place” being the only apparent thing shown. It should be noted that this was before traditional Deere dealers as we would think of them today. We believe that these signs were likely sent to general mercantiles where the farm implements could be ordered through the catalog.
The sign is die cut in a shield shape, with the colors of the sign still being just as striking and bright. There is some rust discoloration along the edges and on the back. Paint loss and discoloration is fairly insignificant with the worst being a dozen BB dings by some hooligan with a Daisy from many years ago! The sign does have damage as shown in the photographs but does not detract from it’s display and vintage charm. While we are careful to use the word “patina” in a description, that is what it is. An extremely early sign that shows marks of age and time.
This investment grade sign with historical significance will be offered at the 2025 Pre-30 Sign & More Auction #1. Bidding is active! You can view this lot and bid now!
