I continue to hear the craziest of tales. A while back, a fella told me about an 1880s John Deere military Escort wagon he'd been told about. We didn't get any further into the conversation before I stopped him and shared that the story wasn't possible. I asked, "What proof were you given that this Escort wagon was an 1880s John Deere?" Turns out the only substantiation provided was that it was thought to be so. Therein lies the problem. The wagon was being sold as something that, from my extensive research and experience, is so far from the truth we might as well be talking about uncovering a fully equipped Tesla truck beneath the hardened ashes of Pompei! It just didn't happen.
To help clear the air a bit, John Deere was certainly selling wagons built by other industry icons in the 1880s but I know of zero primary source evidence that would have this firm putting their own namesake branding on wagons until 1910. How do we know this to be true? Because, we have primary source documentation from publications in both the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to support this brand launch on wagons. As an additional note, those initial, twentieth century offerings were also co-branded with the well-known Moline name. Somewhere around 1912, the additional 'Moline' stencil was removed, leaving only the John Deere designation accompanied by the city/state info. This information can be proven by numerous period accounts and documented surviving wagons. In fact, the Wheels The Won The West® collection has an incredibly rare 1910 John Deere - Moline survivor. The original wagon is double-branded and includes a multitude of other features confirming the timeframe.
Ultimately, it's far too easy for misunderstandings and misinformation to be taken as truth with no objective, primary source confirmation.The old adage related to Caveat Emptor (Let the buyer beware) is as true as it's ever been. Similar things can happen when a person looks solely at an end gate or spring seat label and instantly assumes the entire wagon must be the same as the painted logo. In those cases, it's best to review the rest of the wagon to help ensure the entirety of the whole belongs to the same brand.
These kinds of stories seem to be endless (as are the purchase regrets). Every week I answer emails, phone calls, and text messages as well as meet folks wanting to know more about an early vehicle brand, part, design, the industry, or the old workhorse itself. It's a privilege to help address stereotypes while providing fact-based answers versus random assertions and unsubstantiated claims. From the back of the box to the tip of the tongue, these pieces are far from being as simple as they might appear and dissecting the individual elements can open up a world of information.
Some might say, "Well, I'm not a collector and I don't really care what I have." I understand that not everyone is concerned about identity - even though that is often a primary driver of the intrigue, story, and value of any antique vehicle. So, what about condition as it relates to vehicle desirability? Not too long ago, I watched an old wagon sell and it went for a healthy sum. The problem? It sold as an untouched, original condition piece and, upon close inspection, it was a complete repaint - right down to the brand name misspelling! Nonetheless, it didn't stop at least two bidders from excitedly - and blindly - racing to throw away hard-earned cash.
No antique vehicle is perfect. In reality, though, that's part of what gives each piece the character and authenticity proofs or lack thereof that we can interpret. That process of profiling early vehicles and sharing what can be gleaned from them is exactly what I'm scheduled to do this coming September 19-20, 2025 in Council Grove, Kansas. It's all part of the KAW Mission Councils' Series of Westward Expansion events. During this part of their Santa Fe Trail Symposium, we'll unpack western vehicle details rarely discussed anywhere.
Imagery above shows a number of the wagons and period vehicles at the Council Grove gathering in 2021.
If you have an opportunity to bring your wagon or even just attend the event, I'd highly recommend putting this on your agenda. It will be a strong opportunity to learn more about America's first transportation industry and the individual pieces that set it apart. Many of the points presented are not available on the internet, in books, videos, or other typical resources.These are details that I've spent decades researching, collecting, and confirming. The gathering will also allow you to network with others of like interest. That camaraderie and opportunity to talk shop with folks from all over the country can be extremely helpful. Some of the things I expect to cover are...
- Collecting 101 - What Should I Know?
- Rumors, Hearsay, Opinions, & Guesswork
- Wagon Parts & Purposes - What Do You See?
- How To Evaluate Period Wagons & Western Vehicles - Identification, dating, & more!
- How Much Do You Really "Know" About Your Wagon
- Q/A sessions
Also at the event will be National Stagecoach & Freight Wagon Association President, Jeff McManus. He will be conducting a number of blacksmithing seminars that will be chock full of important information. Along with Jeff, Don Werner of Werner Wagon Works in Horton, Kansas will be highlighting his wheelwrighting and wagon making skills. There are numerous other activities associated with this week-long getaway. It's all in conjunction with the Santa Fe Trail Association, KAW Mission, and National Stagecoach & Freight Wagon Association activities.
Jeff McManus is shown in the foreground with Cameron Bean assisting during a blacksmithing seminar.
Don Werner sharing wheelwrighting details with an attendee.
We're roughly two months away from this unmatched experience and I'd encourage you to get registered and secure your travel plans as soon as possible. In short, this will be an event unlike most gatherings. If you were there four years ago, you saw the interactive strength of this get-together. This special weekend with the wagons will offer even more insights into identification, originality, features, dating, design, and the power of provenance.
Frank Burkdoll was one of a number of attendees with special wagons on display in 2021.
I'll try to give another reminder a few weeks from now but, if you're remotely intrigued by western vehicles and the distinctions of these wheeled survivors, I'd encourage you to make your reservations as soon as possible. Hotels and slots will fill up fast. Mark Brooks and his team at Kaw Mission have the registration open now. That contact info is...
Mark Brooks
Kaw Mission
500 North Mission
Council Grove,Kansas 66846
Email: mark.brooks@ks.gov
Whether you're bringing a wagon for review or just coming to learn and network with others, this will be an extremely rare opportunity to take home details that will be of benefit for years to come.
In short, don't miss it. Looking forward to seeing you there!
David
Psalm 20:7