Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a vintage 1/64 scale die-cast replica of a John Deere industrial backhoe loader produced by The Ertl Company. Finished in construction-grade John Deere yellow with black cab trim, it features working articulated front loader arms and a rear digging assembly with stabilizer legs.
Story
Starting in the 1940s in Iowa, Ertl turned real heavy machinery into pocket-sized treasures, forging an official partnership with John Deere that gave generations of kids miniature construction empires.
Maker / Origin
Fred Ertl Sr. founded The Ertl Company in 1945 in his furnace-heated basement in Dubuque, Iowa, melting down recycled aluminum aircraft pistons to make toy tractors. The company grew to become the global titan of agricultural and construction scale models, famous for near-indestructible die-cast fidelity.
Condition & Value
Fair to good vintage played-with condition; visible paint chipping along the roof edges, bucket rims, and hydraulic cylinders, though the functional rivets and wheels remain intact. Wear reduces value by approximately 50% compared to mint carded examples.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Your first full report is on us.
See sold comps, value drivers, and where to sell. One complimentary report, no card required.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.