Model Farm Toy Collecting
Model farm toy collecting is a niche hobby that celebrates the nostalgic connection many individuals have with farming and rural life, particularly those who grew up in agricultural settings. Toy tractors and farm equipment originated as marketing tools for manufacturers, who created miniature versions of their products to demonstrate to potential buyers. Over time, these models evolved into collectible items cherished by enthusiasts. Collectors often focus on specific scales, such as 1/64 or 1/16, and may specialize in brands like John Deere or Allis-Chalmers, as well as rare items like gold-plated promotional tractors or original packaging.
The value of these collectibles is influenced by factors such as condition, rarity, and age, with original packaging significantly enhancing desirability. The rise of online marketplaces has made buying and selling these toys more accessible, while literature related to farm equipment has emerged as a complementary collecting avenue. For many collectors, the joy of acquiring and showcasing model farm toys is rooted in a love for the farming lifestyle and childhood memories, although there is also potential for profit in the collectible market. Overall, model farm toy collecting offers a unique blend of nostalgia, community, and investment for enthusiasts.
Model Farm Toy Collecting
History
In the world of collectible toys, the most attention is often given to the most popular toys, such as model trains and cars. However, the collectible toy of choice for many, especially those who grew up on farms, is the toy tractor. Model farm toys are nostalgic reminders of youth, as well as tributes to America's rural past.
Before the existence of television and other modern media, full-size tractor manufacturers needed a way to advertise and sell their products. Companies employed traveling salesmen to visit farmers. The salesmen needed a way to show the various models of tractors and other farm equipment to potential customers, and because farm equipment is so large, they couldn't travel with actual examples. Salesmen began traveling with miniature samples, or toy models, of the various types of tractors and equipment available for sale. These metal miniatures were identical in detail to the full-size equipment. The children of the farmers often wanted to play with the samples, and soon, tractor manufacturers began producing toy tractors. The toys were not as detailed as the salesmen's models, but realistic enough to please farmer's children and generations of model farm toy collectors alike.
Most of the model toy tractors manufactured before World War II were made of heavy cast iron, or much lighter lithographed tin. Some of the best-known manufacturers from this period include Weeden Manufacturing Company, the German manufacturer Marklin, and the former sewing machine maker Vindex. Some toy car manufacturers also created lines of toy tractors. After World War II, the tractors were generally made of aluminum, and later plastic.
Within the toy tractor field are several distinct subspecialties. Some collectors specialize in specific manufacturers or in certain scale sizes, such as 1/64, 1/43, 1/16, or 1/8 scale. Some collect riding pedal tractors, which are large in size and made to be driven by children. Others collect gold-plated promotional toy tractors, made in small batches in the 1970s. Still others focus on the boxes and packaging from vintage toy tractors, which are usually harder to find than the tractors themselves.
Things to Look For
It's a good idea to familiarize oneself with the values of collectible farm toys before making a purchase, particularly in the context of an auction. Emotions can run high in the heat of a bidding war, and often prices are driven higher than the value and availability of a collectible toy when competitive bidding begins. Value of a toy is determined by several factors, including its condition, age and rarity. The presence of original packaging can greatly elevate the desirability and value of a toy. A relatively difficult-to-find older toy in its original box is considered to be extremely valuable to most farm toy collectors.
Trends
Farm toys are available in several different scales, including 1/64, 1/43, 1/16, and 1/8 scale. The 1/64 size, the smallest scale available, has grown in popularity because the small size allows the collector to display and enjoy a greater variety of collectibles in a smaller display area and with a smaller initial investment than the larger sizes. 1/64 scale die cast metal farm toys are made by toy manufacturers such as Ertl, Scale Models, Spec Cast, John Deere, Allis-Chalmers, Farmall, Ford, and Case-International.
A second trend in model farm toy collecting is the addition of farm equipment literature collecting by model farm toy enthusiasts. Literature about the toys and their life-sized counterparts is found for sale at many farm toy shows, alongside collectible toys. Collecting farm equipment literature is another way for collectors to express their enthusiasm for model farm toys without needing a lot of space for display, and often at a lower price than collectible toys.
Selling and buying farm toys online, particularly on eBay, has become commonplace in the twenty-first century.
Model Farm Toy Collecting for Fun vs. Profit
Considerable profits can be made from the sale of collectible model farm toys. Profits in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars are possible at collectible toy auctions when the right collectible catches the eye of a motivated bidder. The typical collector, however, only sells when a better example of a toy he or she already owns becomes available, allowing the collection to improve by replacing the less valuable example. The potential for financial gain is an incentive to some collectors, but most model farm toy enthusiasts are motivated by the love of collecting, the tribute to both childhood and the farming life, and the sheer fun of searching out and adding to their collection of farm toys.
Learning More
Books
Crilley, Sr., Raymond E. and Charles E. Burkholder. "International Directory of Model Farm Tractors." Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 1985.
Ertel, Patrick and Catherine Lee Phillips. "Ertl Toy Tractors." MBI Publishing, 2004.
Kruse, Brenda. "John Deere Collectibles." MBI Publishing, 2001.
O'Brien, Karen, Ed. "Standard Catalog of Farm Toys." 3rd ed., Krause Publications, 2007.
Pullen, David. Pocket Guide to Britain's Farm Model and Toy Tractors, 1998–2008. Veloce, 2009.
"Warman's Farm Toys Field Guide." Krause Publications, 2006.
Vossler, Bill. "John Deere Farm Toys: Identification and Value Guide Inventory List." Bill Vossler Books, 2002.
Periodicals
"The Toy Tractor Times." <www.toytractortimes.com>
"Toy Farmer." Toy Farmer Publications. <www.toyfarmer.com>
Organizations
National Farm Toy Museum <www.facebook.com/nationalfarmtoymuseum/>.