‘Breathtaking’ collection of Ferguson tractor memorabilia to be sold at Cheffins auction

john.downing@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 11:00, 17 November 2023

Ferguson tractor memorabilia collected by one man and described as “most likely to be the largest in existence in the world” will go on sale in a Cheffins auction.

Just some of the 800 items in the collection Picture: Tim Scrivener/Cheffins/PA

The late tractor enthusiast Jim Russell amassed the collection of 800 items over 50 years - and his home even had a purpose-built extension so he could run a tractor engine indoors.

Ferguson models, toys and paraphernalia that belonged to late tractor enthusiast Jim Russell will go under the hammer at a Cheffins auction. Jim Russell pictured with one of his collection. Picture: Tim Scrivener/Cheffins/PA

His collection, to be sold at the Cheffins Machinery saleground at Sutton on Saturday, November 25, includes models, toys, paraphernalia and a 1936 Ferguson Brown Type-A tractor. It also includes the final signature written by irish inventor Harry Ferguson, dated April 6, 1954, prior to his resignation as honorary chairman at Massey-Harris-Ferguson Engineering that July.

Ferguson models, toys and paraphernalia that belonged to late tractor enthusiast Jim Russell will go under the hammer at a Cheffins auction. Picture: Tim Scrivener/Cheffins/PA

There is also a Ferguson Sherman Plough catalogue, used by Harry Ferguson to set out headings for a proposed tractor catalogue and which he annotated throughout.

Ferguson models, toys and paraphernalia that belonged to late tractor enthusiast Jim Russell will go under the hammer at a Cheffins auction. It also includes the final signature written by Harry Ferguson, dated April 6, 1954. Picture: Tim Scrivener/Cheffins/PA

Cheffins associate Tom Godsmark said: “This is certainly the largest private collection of Ferguson models, tinplate toys and memorabilia to ever have come to auction and is most likely to be the largest in existence in the world.

“The sheer scale of it is quite breathtaking, as is the condition of these pieces which have been displayed for over half a century.

“Jim has to have been one of the most devoted enthusiasts we have come across to date, even making major modifications to his house to fit his collection, with a dedicated room packed with display cabinets and a specially-built extension to the house with provisions to allow the Ferguson tractor to be run inside the house.

“This is set to be a very special sale and we are delighted to be able to offer it to the market.”

The auction on November 25 starts at 9am, preceded by a viewing day from 10am to 4pm on Friday, November 24. For more details visit cheffins.co.uk.

Business Quirky Transport John Downing