24 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | December 2023 Farm antiques Do you have a collector on your shopping list this holiday season? Maybe you’ve been interested in starting your own collection and would like to know more about farm antiques? Farming is a constantly evolving industry. While we rely on precision technology, our relatives and ancestors had a more hands-on approach. Items from those days bring back fond memories and curiosity for enthusiasts. Guy Heaslip of equipment dealer W.J. Heaslip in Hagersville collects many different farm antiques. His collection includes watch fobs, advertising, books, toys, equipment, and more. “There are no two collections that are the same,” he says. “Collecting is subjective. “Dad started in ’59. He likes the cast-iron and the smaller things, but I like tractors and gas engines. I like the mechanical side of things … something needs to be moving. He still likes the tractors, but it’s the difference in age in perspective.” We’ve compiled a list of coveted antiques, with some ideas about tracking them down. Vintage tractors Manufacturers are constantly updating their machines, making tractor collecting an attractive hobby for many. Why they’re coveted: Whether you’re restoring them, driving them to the local fair, or simply parking them somewhere to enjoy the aesthetics of the old-style engineering, vintage tractors celebrate the history of the machines we use every day. Some popular models include the John Deere Model D, a two-cylindered, steel-wheeled machine active between 1923-1953, and the Case IH Farmall, which debuted in 1923 and remains relevant 100 years later. Where to find: Auctions, equipment shows, or listings in magazines or online. There are a variety of clubs that come together to celebrate certain brands or types of tractors, and reaching out might help you locate what you’re looking for. Branded merchandise While a tractor may be out of your holiday budget, you could delight the enthusiast in your life with something from their favourite brand’s promotional history. FARM ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES By LESLIE STEWART LOOKING AT TREASURES THAT COLLECTORS STILL COVET. Leslie Stewart photos
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