1947-1953. Single-sided tin (SST). When Henry Ford II ended the partnership with Harry Ferguson in 1947, he formed Dearborn Motors Corporation to distribute Ford tractors and its own line of Dearborn Farm Equipment. The red and white logos on this sign align with the period when Ford wanted to distinguish its tractor line from its automobile line. They chose red for their tractors, specifically the Ford "8N" tractor, which featured the "Red Belly" paint scheme. The "Red Belly" paint scheme was introduced by Ford in 1947. It earned its nickname because the entire "bellies" of these tractors, including the cast-iron engine, transmission, chassis, and rear axle, were painted a bright "Vermillion Red". The red colour scheme was a means of competing with their biggest rival, International Harvester, whose tractors were famously bright red. Ford never officially used the term "Red Belly", but rather, it was a nickname coined by farmers and collectors that eventually caught on and became the industry standard. The Ford and Dearborn combination sign was used until 1953, when the company transitioned away from the Dearborn branding. (TAC #501618). All items are guaranteed authentic by Miller & Miller Auctions. All purchases are eligible for free delivery to the Check the Oil Show on June 26, 2026. 11" x 22".

Size
11" x 22".

Condition
Grade: 8.75. Very good colour and gloss. Fine surface scuffs and scratches. Minor impressions. Mild toning to white background. Paint nicks surrounding upper two enlarged mounting holes. A 3.75" stain originates at lower edge, intersecting the 'g' in "Farming". Stable paint nicks to upper right corner and lower quarter.