Farmers quickly saw the advantage of mechanized power, and John Deere brought that advantage to row-crop growers in 1928 with the model GP. It featured a long rear axle that straddled two rows, and a tricycle front end that fit between the rows.
The limited-edition 2004 ornament is the ninth in this unique collectible series, and highlights the GP's row-crop design. It depicts a 1930's-era farmer and his wife preparing for the Christmas holiday as they decorate an evergreen tree on their front lawn.
Originally rated at 10 drawbar and 20 belt-pully hp., the GP had a 2-cylinder kerosene-burning engine and offered four seperate power sources: drawbar, belt pulley, power take-off, and a power lift for integral equipment. It was built from 1928-1935.
Each ornament is packed in a velour pouch stamped with the John Deere trademark and the year of issue.
These ornaments are a great link to farm roots for children who have left their farm home, and are ideal gifts for antique enthusiasts too. They make great heirlooms to pass on to future family generations. Early ornaments in this unique series (no longer available) have already become rare collector's items, and are frequently sold or traded at collector's shows and Internet auction sites.
Inscription on back reads:
"The GP with a 2-cylinder kerosene burning engine was the first John Deere row-crop tractor. Originally rated at 10 hp. it offered four seperate power sources: drawbar, belt pulley, power take-off, and a power lift for integral equipment. The GP was built from 1928-1935."
No. 9 in a series.
John Deere Company
2004