Sun Apr 06 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Rare John Deere Sign, Potentially “Greatest Ever,” Heads to Auction
**MISSOULA, MT** – Aumann Auctions is offering what it calls potentially the greatest John Deere sign ever discovered, a rare chromolithographed metal piece unearthed in a Polson, Montana barn. Dating back to the late 1800s, the sign features a Gilpin Plow, a design widely used by John Deere but never before seen on an original sign of this type. While a similar sign exists in the John Deere corporate collection, it depicts a cultivator, making this Polson find potentially one-of-a-kind.
The 20 x 28 inch sign, produced by the Wells & Hope Company in Philadelphia, showcases vibrant colors despite minor age-related wear. Remnants of a Deere & Co. label on the back instruct merchants to display it prominently, suggesting it was distributed to general stores before the establishment of John Deere dealerships.
Auction specialist Roger Johnson of Aumann Auctions stated, “This is undoubtedly one of the most important John Deere signs ever to reach the auction block,” anticipating significant interest from collectors and enthusiasts. The auction, part of Aumann Auctions’ 2025 Pre-30 Sign & More Auction #1, runs until April 28th. As of April 4th, bidding had already reached $16,250. Collectors have a unique opportunity to own this piece of agricultural advertising history.
First Piper 