Odd balls and collecting

[Back40]

I’m looking at getting into collecting. I have limited knowledge but enjoy the rabbit holes. I find myself drawn to the outliers and odd balls. value seems to be in the eye of the beholder, if it’s rare is it always valuable? If it’s not “correct” is it less valuable or is it still valuable? For example if a vintage tractor has had a front end swapped in its past to serve some purpose it’s no longer ”correct” but it’s not one you’ll likely see two of. Does that make it rare or less valuable than if it was correct?

on a similar note I’ve got an opportunity to purchase something tractor like from the 1950’s that is stock but that I can’t find anywhere or even a picture of anywhere other than an old brochure. asking price is still in the normalish vintage tractor range. I’m drawn to it because it’s odd but hesitate, my mom’s 1980 hand mixer might be hard to find but not much desire either. Wondering collector thoughts on these types of add balls

 

[oldsarge]

In my 0pinion, collecting is not something you decide to do, but something you discover you are already doing..........................................................................................................gtm

 

[38 Sears Roebuck]

Here's an oddball, rarely seen one of 500 produced and only one of 100 still known to be in existence

 

[Janicholson]

I’m looking at getting into collecting. I have limited knowledge but enjoy the rabbit holes. I find myself drawn to the outliers and odd balls. value seems to be in the eye of the beholder, if it’s rare is it always valuable? If it’s not “correct” is it less valuable or is it still valuable? For example if a vintage tractor has had a front end swapped in its past to serve some purpose it’s no longer ”correct” but it’s not one you’ll likely see two of. Does that make it rare or less valuable than if it was correct?

on a similar note I’ve got an opportunity to purchase something tractor like from the 1950’s that is stock but that I can’t find anywhere or even a picture of anywhere other than an old brochure. asking price is still in the normalish vintage tractor range. I’m drawn to it because it’s odd but hesitate, my mom’s 1980 hand mixer might be hard to find but not much desire either. Wondering collector thoughts on these types of add balls

Welcome to YT, enjoy our diverse and complex forum. You pose an interesting question. Here are my thoughts. There are few rules that can be set in stone related to collecting in general, so each of these is flexible. Marble collection takes little space! Tractor collecting takes buildings!
1} The correctness is important in that a 1940 Farmall H with a SuperH grill and front bolster is devalued. But if it has a period correct component that could be added as a farmer or dealer installed non IHC option it would be neutral or positive.
2} A rare tractor with a known pedigree is more valuable than a Farmall H. Even though it was far less usable and from a similar era.
3} Very old is good but is expensive. A Waterloo Boy is an example of a known high value tractor with out of sight acquisition costs. Owners discover their value before selling. Steam traction engines are 1000$ per horsepower or more.
4} If you have solid mechanic skills and facilities/tools tractor restoration can work but is usually not a profit making venture, but is a great hobby.
5} A tractor collection that is clearly beautiful may be a very tough thing to be handled by your surviving relatives when you pass. and rarely is it found to be a vast treasure or able to be sold as a complete collection. Unless there is someone that is as invested as you would be (both psychological and time with the units/happy.
6} It is almost never a full time income maker. TV programs are not reality and finding those old tractors in slam sided barns is so rare that tying your self to that requirement does not work.
7} A restoration can reduce actual cash value. Restoration requires disassembly to the last bolt and reconstructing to factory specifications including paint preparation and Gloss.

These are a few of the factors I have scraped together from my collecting of a different thing all together, being on this forum for 20 years and 42+ thousand posts. Jim

 

[Janicholson]

Very Rare Pioneer from an Albany MN

Pioneer Days show, one of 4 known tractors

 

[Tgrasher]

In my 0pinion, collecting is not something you decide to do, but something you discover you are already doing..........................................................................................................gtm

I agree, I never went looking for tractors, or a particular tractor, they came to me. Kind of like opening the refrigerator door, not really hungry but wanting something, kinda waiting for something to slap you in the face, saying here I am. After a few years you look around and ask yourself, what am I doing with all these tractors? Value like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Back40]

I agree with your sentiment and understand to a degree (my limited knowledge). This is another one I stumbled upon and falls into what I was inferring, not a rare model of tractor but an outlier by being different. Non running so yard art in its current state what’s its worth. I’m not looking at things as a business or ROI per se but trying to gain a better understanding of what a fair price to pay is.

 

[Gambles]

I’m looking at getting into collecting.

on a similar note I’ve got an opportunity to purchase something tractor like from the 1950’s that is stock but that I can’t find anywhere or even a picture of anywhere other than an old brochure.

C'mon, tell us the make/model/brand and I bet somebody here will know about it or even have some photos or info. (Edit: perhaps you just did)
That being said, I've been known to collect some rarities or seldom-seen specimens. But since you are just starting out with this disease, remember one thing: If you need parts or advice, where are you going to find it?

 

[grandpa Love]

We started out buying a Ford 640......first tractor we ever owned, about 6 years ago. A week later we bought a Ford 960, next week a 9n the next week a Cub. Somewhere along the way we went all in on offset Farmall tractors. We have bought, fixed,saved 75+ cubs and several A, super A and B Farmalls. All together 150+ tractors. We never intended to get this involved,but here we are. And along the way have picked up a couple " rare" ones........ '64 white hood Cub (303 made). And an Allis IB ( around 2500 made)

 

[Back40]

I agree with your sentiment and understand to a degree (my limited knowledge). This is another one I stumbled upon and falls into what I was inferring, not a rare model of tractor but an outlier by being different. Non running so yard art in its current state what’s its worth. I’m not looking at things as a business or ROI per se but trying to gain a better understanding of what a fair price to pay is.

limited info I know it’s a 1929 McCormick deering based on the gas tank I’m guessing a 22-36

 

[Janicholson]

limited info I know it’s a 1929 McCormick deering based on the gas tank I’m guessing a 22-36

Non running that tractor (with its probably difficult to live with cab) as is where is, might bring 200 over scrap price. Jim

 

[Back40]

well you hit on what I’m questioning, Im drawn to it because of the cab which in your opinion is hard to live with but with out it there’s plenty out there. So let’s assume it runs apples to apples vs the same non cab does this become a higher collectible?

 

[Janicholson]

well you hit on what I’m questioning, Im drawn to it because of the cab which in your opinion is hard to live with but with out it there’s plenty out there. So let’s assume it runs apples to apples vs the same non cab does this become a higher collectible?

In my opinion no. others may provide different opinions. The cab is likely home built and looks cramped inside. With no back, and probable openings at the lower front, it would not be very warm until summer. I think it is a detraction from value. Jim