Orange tractor related but NOT Kubota

[ken erickson]

My dad passed away in 2016 and while I was his personal representative I just became aware of, and in possession, of this neat little tractor related memorabilia.
Judging from the condition I doubt he ever wore it as a tie tack or lapel pin.

My dad finished his tool and die apprenticeship at Allis Chalmers in West Allis Wi early in 1956. Approximately 6 months before I was born. He went straight from high school to Allis in 1952.

He spent a large part of his apprenticeship and years as a journey man tool and die maker in the tractor division. He saw the first of the WD-45 series tractor rolling out the door. He liked the WD-45 enough that when he purchased a small hobby farm he sought and found a WD-45 and used it for plowing, planting and harvesting a few acres of corn for feeder hog feed.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

That is awesome.

Sometimes it is the small things. That mean the most.

 

[jaxs]

What a fine heirloom. Inheriting the WD-45 would be great if one was into collecting tractors but would be like finding a dead elephant in the garage for a great-grandson with no interest in tractors .
This little pin can be cherished by descendants even if they know nothing about tractors.

 

[D2Cat]

Based on your description of your father, him being employed his entire working life at one place and the case he kept the metal in, he probable cherished that as much as you will now! What a treasure and a reminder of your heritage.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

An AC WD-45 was the first tractor I learned to operate, I loved that tractor.

 

[Bee-Positive]

Great find - the simplest things are the best.

My dad was in the navy in WWII. A fire controller, aimed the big guns on a destroyer, talked about three rings of ships circling Iwo Jima for three days shelling it non stop. I have a table spoon with USN stamped on it that he actually used while enlisted. It is one my most cherished possessions.

 

[bird dogger]

I , too, grew up with dad's WD45 and a Minneapolis Moline "U". Spent many a long, hot, dusty, dirty day alone in the fields with them. Good times!!]