Antique & Vintage
Salesman Sample & Model Farm Machinery

This is just a sample of the antique farm related salesman samples we have sold.
Click link to see other Past Sales Archive Pages on this Site.

We Buy Quality Antiques
Contact Us at AntiqBuyer@gmail.com

Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website.
Prices seen span a long time and may not reflect current values.  Some are selling for more, many now sell for less.
On other pieces you will see no price, or a price range, with or without an explanation.  The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.

Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

c. 1918 Salesman Sample Combination Tractor Plow in Original Box w/ Sales Brochure  This is a great salesman sample size piece of farming equipment.  It is a highly detailed and well constructed model of a new design for a 2 Way Combined Tractor Plow.  The salesman sample plow / tractor is complete in its original fitted hard fiber material hip roofed box and is in very nice overall condition. 

Inside the original box was a 15 page oil soaked sales brochure that identifies this new revolutionary design combo tractor / plow as having been made and offered by the "Farm Machinery Company" of Denver Colorado.  The brochure is a prospectus of sorts, and in addition to being a sales brochure, the owners / original investors, are also fishing for new investors. The pamphlet explains that the company was incorporated in 1917, and mentions a huge government contract to supply tractors for the war effort. That contract was cancelled with the end of WWI and now the new partners claim to be ready to fill the growing domestic demand for their tractors in the growing / expanding Western US.

Things did not work out, and by 1919 the company was renamed the "Two - Way Tractor Plow Company, of the same address for the manufacturing plant "8th Ave. between Bryant and the Platte River.  The office location is also called off as 411 - 417 Symes Building Denver Colorado.  By 1920 or shortly after no further mention of either company can be found on the internet or in literature.  The reference on tractors by Wendel barely mentions them.  I found a few mentions in old farming magazines of them being out and about showing off working examples at shows and fairs in 1920 and nothing after that.  I am not sure if there are any known examples of full size machines in use or in collections.  Probably not many.

It looks to be cutting edge technology for the time, and the brochure uses lots of superlative language to describe its many features.  It has 4 spring loaded plow blades that can be raised or lowered, and even shifted side to side. Another talking point is that this is the perfect design with the tractor weight over the plow blades as opposed to the old way of horses dragging the plow behind and the blades bouncing up and down and the problems that created.

The engine was to be supplied by Wisconsin Motor Co, but for this model they had a special electric motor made up and installed behind the faux radiator.  It has not been tested or run.  I assume the round tank in front of the leather seat represents the fuel tank for the gas or diesel engine.  The operator had lots of controls, both levers and pedals to contend with.  The entire machine is driven by 2 large gears that mesh with the metal traction treads of the traction style wheels at the front. I think you could engage either or to both  facilitate turning.  It also mentions it being at least 2 speed.  The literature claims it has a 5' turning radius as well.

There is an old repair to the driver side axle housing.  It appears it happened early on and the repair was made to look like part of the original design with the same type bolts and parts used for the rest of the framework as part of the repair.  It looks like the owners were so stretched for money they could not have a new axle housing made for their model before presenting it to the public and potential investors perhaps explaining their short history. 

The brochure mentions and pictures 2 different designs of the new design plow / tractor. One larger and one smaller. It calls them off by name as the "Law 2 - Way Tractor", and the "Goddard 2 - Way Tractor".  Several examples are pictured in the brochure and although similar, none are exactly the same as this model.  It seems the design was a work in progress and evolving   In my research I found one patent for a 2 way plow by a Guy Law of Colorado, but could find nothing relevant by anyone named Goddard.  Additional research might turn up more info.

A great piece of farming history that has lots of curb appeal. The era of horse drawn equipment was drawing to a close and the next generation of farm machines powered by gas diesel or steam engines were being developed and perfected.  Some ideas worked out, many did not, but the sense of American ingenuity and spirit is clearly evident in this wonderful salesman sample.

Good +  . . . . . $ 4850.00      SOLD!!

Jones Salesman Sample Sickle Bar Mowing Machine  This 19th century salesman sample / display model of a Jones sickle bar mowing machine is all original and in super nice condition.  The gold finish is close to perfect and original. I had one of these 20 years ago that was not in nearly as nice condition.  Salesman Sample or display model hay mowing machines are an exact copy of the full size machine they were copied from, right down to miniature nuts and bolts.  It is an amazing piece of craftsmanship.  Note how the miniature cut out cast iron seat has the name Jones in the the design just like the full size machine would.  A distinctive feature of the jones Mower design is the chain drive design, not gear driven as most mowers of the era were. 

"Jones" was the name of one of the founders and the original President of the Plano company W.H. Jones.  This maker of farming implements was initially located in Plano Illinois which is in Kendall County IL.   The Plano Manufacturing Company was formed in March of 1881 and manufactured horse-drawn farm implements of all kinds including rakes, plows, hay tedders, and more. In 1893 the manufacturing facility was moved to West Pullman IL (south Chicago), and in 1902 they  joined up with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. & the Deering Harvester Co. to form the International Harvester Company.

The model / salesman sample mowing machine is operable, very graphic, and looks great. Look at all the pics to see all the different adjusters, fittings and more that this salesman sample / display model has.  This rare & desirable antique salesman sample is a great piece of Americana and farming related history. Nice!!

Fine  . . . . .  $7500.00      SOLD!!

Adriance Platt Salesman Sample Sickle Bar Mowing Machine in Original Box  This 19th century salesman sample / display model of a Jones sickle bar mowing machine is all original and in super nice condition. Salesman Sample or display model hay mowing machines are an exact copy of the full size machine they were copied from, right down to miniature nuts and bolts, working mower and transmission and cast iron seat.  It is an amazing piece of craftsmanship.  SIZE: 18″ w x 21″ l  

The box has instructions in the lid for the salesman with special mention to not let children near it. Adriance - Platt was formed in Poughkeepsie, NY” in 1882.  Adriance first went into business with Samuel P. Platt and Samuel W. Sears, operating Sears, Adriance & Platt, a wholesale hardware company. Adriance, Platt & Co. was formed later and the company was bought out by Moline (Illinois) Plow Co. in 1913 thus dating this piece between those dates.

The model / salesman sample mowing machine was operable, and is very graphic. It looks great. The lever for the transmission needs some attention and right now is not operable. Note the ratcheting springs in each wheel. Look at all the pics to see all the different adjusters, fittings and more that this salesman sample mower / display model has. This rare & desirable antique salesman sample mower is a great piece of Americana and farming related history. Nice!!

Fine . . . . . $7500.00      SOLD!!

B. F. Horton Patent Salesman Sample Improved  Horse Rake & Seeding Machine  This combined horse drawn rake & seeder is a wonderful 19th Century salesman sample of B. F. Horton's patented idea. It is the most complete and well documented antique salesman sample of a farm implement that I have ever had.  It is housed in its original box and comes with supporting paperwork including the original contract the inventor B. F. Horton entered into to have the distributer / manufacturer, Centre Hall Manufacturing Co in Centre Hall PA manufacture and market it for him.

B. F. Horton hailed from Ithaca New York, and was granted several patents for his farm machinery ideas. In 1867 he was granted one patent for a seeder, in 1868, another patent for a rake. The salesman sample / model and included paper work indicates he had combined the two ideas prior to marketing his ideas.  I believe he was granted a third patent in 1872 for the combination of the two ideas, but could not make that patent come up.

Besides the well constructed and highly detailed model of the combined horse drawn seeder / rake and its original box, there is a packet of paper including the original hand written partnership contract, numerous unused sales contracts and related info pertaining to Mr. Horton's patented invention.  From the paper work it seems that Mr. Horton took on partners to help finance, build, and market his invention.  He was to be paid a set sum for each machine sold by the Centre Hall Manufacturing Co. in Centre Hall, PA, to whom he sold the rights to the machine.  They were optimistic as there are a stack of 20 or more original sales contracts / receipts that were never used. It seems the Centre Hall Manufacturing Co. that Mr.  Horton picked to go into partnership with, may have been a bad choice as their is little info to be found on them online.

A great piece of farming related history and Americana that will be a highlight of many advanced collections.

Fine  . . . . .  $6000.00     SOLD!!

Salesman Sample / Model of a Bullard Hay Tedder  The detail that went into the making of this model, and the mechanical mechanisms incorporated into its design, leave little doubt that this interesting farm machine model is a working display model, salesman sample, or a patent model. It is in super condition and has a great look and feel to it.

The operation of the articulated arms and the lever actuated clutch mechanism are superb.  The idea behind this sort of machine was that after mowing the hay or other crop, you would go back through the mown fields and use this machine to loosen up or move around the fresh mown material / crop to help it dry more evenly.  It is one of the most dramatic and well done models that I have ever seen.  It is unmarked as to maker, but I was once told it closely resembles a Bullard Hay Tedder.

Fine . . . . . $5750.00      SOLD!!

Johnston Harvester Co. Continental #6 Salesman Sample Mower  This 19th century salesman sample / display model of a sickle bar mowing machine is the real deal. It is in super nice condition. The Johnston Harvester Co. was first incorporated in 1870 and sold out to the larger and better known Massey - Harris Harvester Co. in 1910. This salesman sample or display model hay mowing machine is a very complicated piece of machinery. The detail and complexity are amazing, being an exact copy of the full size machine this NY based company offered. 

The model / salesman sample is operable, very graphic and looks great. Look at all the pics to see all the different gear boxes, adjusters, fittings and more that this salesman sample / display model has.  The lid on the 2 speed gear box lifts to allow inspection. Note the near unique design of the wheel spokes for added strength.  This rare & desirable c. 1900 salesman's sample measures approx. 9 1/2" long front to back and is approx. 23 inches wide including the  mower bar attachment. The wheels stand 5" tall and it is nearly 6" to the top of the cast iron seat.

A great piece of Americana and farming related history.  Nice!!

Fine  . . . . .  $4500.00    SOLD!!

Salesman Sample Grain / Corn Silo w/ Case  This c 1900 salesman sample Silo is in great condition and includes its original carry case.   The inside of the lid is numbered # 124.  The silo body is made of tongue & groove wood that is banded around the circumference.  It also has guy or stay wires and turnbuckles running top to bottom for additional stability.  It has 4 grain doors with swing latches going up one side.  The model stands about 16" tall with its two piece metal roof.  The diameter is approx 6".   The metal troughs in the front are grain chutes.  When not being used as chutes they can be stored standing up against the grain door area as a means to keep the curious from having fun or committing mischief. 

Good + . . . . . $895.00        SOLD!!

1906 Salesman Sample / Patent Model Corn Planter w/ Metal Carrying Case  This is an interesting salesman sample / patent model of a corn planter invented by Missouri resident Joseph N. Frame and patented in 1906.  It has been in the same family since that time and is being offered for sale here for the first time

The model is unmarked, but this unusual piece has been handed down through the family and has all the correct provenance, including the original patent papers issued  both here in the US and from Canada to Mr. Frame.

 This is possibly the original patent model, or a second model that he made to illustrate the operation for new prospective customers or manufactures.  It is known that the Patent office did return models to the owners or their families at one time if requested and that could be what happened here.   The rest of the story as I was told by the granddaughter is that Mr. Frame made one full size example and was about to begin production and promotion of his idea when a flood swept away the machine and all hope of further development as he ran out of money.  

Mr. Frames idea was very simple and yet effective, perhaps too simple to appeal to the large makers who were by this time in control of much of the corn planter and farm machine market with much more complicated and expensive examples to perform this task.  Joes idea was that the main axle would have a kink or bend in it, and that would drive a rod connected to a pivoting piece that would swing back and forth to operate the planter hoppers.  There was no transmission to speak of,  but he did have it designed to not operate when backing up, and he also provided for the pitman arm to be disconnected to stop the seeding operation altogether when moving it from field to field.

The model measures 12" long, x 7" wide and the wheels are about 6 1/4" dia. which would make it the right size for a patent model.    The box is a galvanized tin and it measures 14 x 10 x 8.   The model is made almost entirely of brass with soldered joints. There is some fine machine work involved in the ratcheting mechanism to allow this to be turned or backed up when in use.  

A one of a kind piece of American Farming History that has a great look and appeal.  It is both historical and graphic.  Americana with a purpose at its finest.    

Good+. . . . . .$3750.00       SOLD!!

Unmarked Model / Salesman Sample of Disc Harrow This model / salesman sample is unmarked and a bit different from those listed in the reference I have in that all the ones shown there are lower to the ground with small wheels up front and the disc set up behind, or completely wheel less with the driver just sitting in front of the discs.  I imagine that this set-up would have cost a bit more and helps explain why you do not typically see ones like it.  In addition to the 6 discs, this one is also set up with a chute for either fertilizer or spreading seed I imagine, but am not completely sure.  Another interesting feature is the spring loaded seat which would act as an early shock absorber.  It also is set up to have the discs work at different heights, and this is accomplished with chains and the lever actuated handles on either side. Note the custom shaped box which is original as well.  The model slides in snug as a bug, with the secret being to put the tongue in its holder first and then gently lower it into place and setting the locks over the axles.  All in all a neat example of a hard to find model.

Excellent . . . . .$2995.00       SOLD

Unmarked Model / Salesman Sample of Hay Tedder  The detail that went into the making of this model, and the mechanical mechanisms incorporated into its design, leave little doubt that this interesting farm machine model was either intended as a patent model or was a salesman sample.  The operation of the articulated arms and the lever actuated clutch mechanism are superb.  The idea behind this sort of machine was that after mowing, you would go back through and use this machine to loosen up or move around the fresh mown hay to help it dry more evenly.  It is one of the most dramatic and well done models that I have ever seen.   I would never have been able to buy this at most antique shows, or at an farm / engine show, as the price would have been prohibitive in those venues.  Perhaps from a dealer who needed or wanted to sell it, but ironically I was able to buy it at one of the two best known of all auction companies in America for about 10 cents on the dollar of its known worth or current value.  Another example of the fallacy of top dollar always being realized for your antiques at the auction house.

Excellent . . . . . SOLD

Salesman Sample Plow  It is not often that I have the opportunity to buy a piece as nice, well made and detailed as this salesman sample of a single pull plow.  The detail and construction features are second to none, and I only wish I had more information on it or knew what the writing and numbers on the back of the blade referred to. It is unmarked as to maker.   It has an interesting feature where the bottom half of the cutter is removable / replaceable, I suppose for when it wore out or needed to be re-sharpened.  I have several more farm type machines posted to these pages, and they are among the favorite our pieces.  I wish that there were more available so that we did not have to wait so long between obtaining the next one.

Excellent . . . . .$295.00       SOLD

McLean's Reversible Plow Patented July 20th 1886  This super piece is another example of the level of quality and craftsmanship of antique that is sometimes available even here on the West Coast, if you are in the right place at the right time.  Both the construction details and the condition of this model are superb.  In some ways it makes sense that this turned up in California, as this is where the hills are and where early farmers had to come up with a workable idea to overcome the side of those hills when it came time to turn the earth in preparation for planting.  As can be seen in the pictures,  the entire upper mechanism is reversible, while the cutting  blade is two-sided.  When you and the horse came to the end of the row you simply released the lever provided and then walked the hooked-up horse around, flipped the furrow knife / cutter device over, and you were ready to go again, always depositing the turned earth to the uphill side.  I have seen full size versions of this idea, but never this exact model.  I would be interested in obtaining one if you know where one is.  I have provided more pictures to let you see some more of the detail and to help get a sense of the operation.  It is a neat piece, and I am in the market for others as I am always looking for other early pieces of farm machinery to add to our collection.

Excellent . . . . .$1295.00       SOLD

Salesman Sample of a Lifting Farm Gate  This antique salesman sample gate is a great idea and very nicely made.  The inventor took great pains to make a special shaped tapered box to hold it as can be seen. There is a name on the box, and it looks to read Buck XXx of Oregon.  That is where it originated from.  The top is wider than the base to allow for the levers on both sides to operate.  

The maker put a lot of effort into the detail of the gate itself with Mahogany being the main material. It looks to be a patented idea and this was the model he took and used as a sample thus explaining the box.   The simple but effective design of the mechanism is great. 

The idea is that the traveler or homeowner would upon reaching the gate, pull on the lever, and because of the hinges and weight the gate would fold up and out of the way on a hinge or pivot and when it reached the tipping point fold all the way back.  It was perfectly weighted so that a simple pull would raise or lower it.  Nifty Idea that has applications today.

Excellent . . . . .$695.00        SOLD

Salesman Sample of a Lifting Farm Gate  This antique salesman sample is a great idea. The maker put a lot of effort into the detail of the gate itself with some nice decoration and twisted wire embellishments at the top.  The simple but effective design of the mechanism is great.   I need a similar design at the bottom of my drive as there is not room for one to move back and forth as typically seen on gates like this. 

The idea is that the traveler or homeowner would upon reaching the gate, pull on the cord, and through a series of pulleys, weights, and hinges, the gate would fold up and out of the way on a hinge or pivot.  It was perfectly weighted so that a simple pull would raise or lower it.  Nifty Idea that has applications today.

Excellent . . . . .$395.00       SOLD

Salesman Sample Horse Drawn Mower / Reaper w/ Sweep Arm  This antique salesman sample combination mower / reaper is a great idea combining 2 tasks into one.  It is unmarked as to maker, and could well be a Patent Model or the only model of this given machine as I have never seen another exactly like it.  In addition to the sickle bar mower, this model has a reaper feature with the wooden paddle seen that would sweep the mown hay and deposit it into a following wagon, or make neat rows as the mowing progressed  The maker put a lot of effort into the details of the mower and sweep arms. It is primarily made of brass / bronze.  There are a few minor missing pins to hold the wooden sweep arms in place.  It comes in its original box which would lead one to believe it is a salesman sample as opposed to a Patent Model.   A super piece.

Excellent . . . . . $      SOLD

Salesman Sample Horse Drawn Corn Planter  This antique salesman sample size corn planter is a good looking piece.   The top of one planter lid is marked Wm. F. Probst Model Maker Chillicothe O.  There are no other identifying marks and I am not sure if it was a style produced by one of the big makers and this is a salesman sample, or if it is a patent model, or just a model illustrating some inventive fellows "better" idea.   It is in overall nice condition.  This miniature corn planter was found in Springfield Ohio a number of years ago.  It features a ratcheting clutch to allow it to turn easier and tighter at the end of a row.  The aluminum parts holding the mini cast iron seat are original and proper.  There has been some minor restoration. A very unusual piece of Americana perfect for someone wanting to help preserve the heritage of the American corn famer.  Super nice!!

Good . . . . . $1995.00        SOLD

Salesman Sample "Star Mill" Windmill w/ Box  This antique salesman sample windmill speaks to the concept of condition, condition, condition.  It is superb.  I have seen this exact same design with a few different names, so it can be assumed it was a small outfit that changed ownership a few times, and / or was bought out by others when after the current owner ran into financial problems or took on a new partner or the like.  The tail vane has all the maker and location info painted on it.  It says "Star Mill"  Flint & Waling Mfg. Co Kendallville IND in bold red lettering.  The metal parts are all nickeled and near perfect.  All housed in the red velvet lined box shown.  I'd buy one if shown this in my kitchen by a traveling salesman, wouldn't you?  Super nice!!

Fine . . . . . $4995.00       SOLD

Salesman Sample Windmill w/ Auxiliary Rotor In Tail Vane    This is a super nice condition and very unusual salesman sample of a power Windmill as opposed to a more typically seen pump style windmill.  In addition to having a highly detailed and complex feature to feather the vanes for different wind conditions, this sample size windmill has a very different design for the vane tail with a separate tail rotor that is chain driven.  I believe this was to correct the tendency for a windmill to swing away from the wind when operating and be less efficient.

I have been told that because it is a power design windmill as opposed to a pump design windmill that this is a factor that has to be addressed.  The power design means that it delivers its power to the bottom shaft in a circular motion as opposed to an up and down motion as typically seen to drive a water pump.  This style windmill was used to power shop tools, generators and the like as opposed to those typically seen in the field whose purpose was to operate a well pump.

It is unmarked, and to date I have not found any info on the maker, patents, or specific design.   I am in the process of gathering more info and doing research to find out when this idea was patented, and who the maker or inventor was.   To date I have not seen any others with the tail rotor feature this windmill has.  I am not sure if it was ever put into production as a full size windmill.  I will update this ad as I gather that info. 

A very nice piece of farm history that will make for a great display piece. 

Fine +. . . . .$5995.00        SOLD!!

Patent Model / Salesman Sample Hay Press  There are names and a faint date on one panel that are hard to make out.  An interesting model.

 Good+ . . . . $1595.00        SOLD

"The Lightning Hay Press" Patented 1885 Salesman Sample Hay Press  I got this interesting salesman sample here in California from a dealer friend.  It has a great look and is unusually large for this type of thing, so large I had trouble getting a picture of all of it in one frame.  But it is small compared to how big the actual piece would be.  Looking at the other pictures, the round wheel is where you would hook up one or more horses that would walk around it activating the press that was inside the framework through a system of ropes and pulleys.  I have seen ads for this device in Scientific America and other early farm magazines.  The outer portion is in pretty good condition and the writing and patent info is nice.  There is a part of the press inside that seems to be missing, but from what I can determine it is nothing more than a block of wood with hooks set into it, the plunger if you will.

 Good+ . . . . .$1295.00       SOLD!!

Miniature Model of Horse Drawn Plow  This small well made model of a single blade horse drawn plow has a couple of interesting features and details.  It measures approx. 9" long.  It has some good age and is in nice condition.   Note the wrench with a threaded shaft that screws into the frame.  It fits the tiny square nuts seen.  Note also that it has a rip blade in front of the main plow blade.  It is unmarked as to maker but he put a good amount of effort into it and it is a good piece that will display nicely.   Cute & Nice!

Good +  . . . . . . $175.00       SOLD!!

Primitive Horse Drawn Plow Salesman Sample / Model / Toy  Nice overall condition with lots of age.  It is unmarked as to name or date.  A bit crude, but at the same time a well detailed model of a working plow.

Good  . . . . .  $395.00      SOLD!!

BACK to Patent Models / Salesman Sample

This is just a sample of the many farm related antiques & salesman samples ]we have sold.
Click link to see other Sales Archive Pages on this Site.

We Buy Quality Antiques
Contact Us at AntiqBuyer@gmail.com

Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website Patented-Antiques.com.

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Larry & Carole Meeker