Rare Documents Complement Curtis Combine Collection

Iron Age Ads

Farm Collector
April 2010

The 1930 Curtis: "Only $995 while they last."
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The 1930 Curtis: "Only $995 while they last."
courtesy Ed Larson
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Produced for just one year, and presumably in small numbers, a Curtis combine is a rare piece of agricultural history.

Original documents from the company are even more rare – making this assortment of pieces owned by a Kansas man a special array, indeed.

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Ed Larson, Milan, Kan., is an avid collector of Gleaner and Curtis combines, as well as steam engines and tractors. His collection of Curtis combines is complemented by very nice supporting documents, including a 1931 letter on Curtis Harvesters Corp. letterhead (and signed by company president Curtis Baldwin), a detailed price list and two brochure covers.

In the letter, Baldwin responds to a potential customer’s inquiry with pricing on the newest combine model. But he also pitches a deal on last year’s model. “I wish particularly to call your attention to the Model 30 Curtis,” he offers, “which can yet be had for only $995 (about $14,000 in today’s terms).”

The two brochure covers highlight at least one difference between the 1930 and ’31 models. The 1930 Curtis had a pair of wheels on the front. The 1931 model, Ed explains, had a single wheel that pivoted on a dolly-type mounting. FC

Read more about the Curtis Harvesters Corp.: “One-Year Reign of the Curtis: Curtis Baldwin’s Limited-Production Combine.”

Grateful acknowledgement is given to Ed Larson, who contributed these images from his collection. For more information, contact him at 657 S. Milan Rd., Milan, KS 67105; (620) 435-6869; e-mail: larson67105@yahoo.com.

To submit a vintage advertisement for publication, send it to: Iron Age Ads, Farm Collector, 1503 S.W. 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609; or submit high-quality digital images by e-mail: editor@farmcollector.com.


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  • Judy Wahl Talley 12/31/2010 12:08:46 PM

    I have a photo of my mother - around age 6 - standing on top of a Curtis Combine with her uncle - probably around 1930+. They farmed in Rush County, KS, near McCracken. The funny thing is, her uncle's name was Lawrence Curtis. I have no idea if they are related to the Combine Manufacturer.

  • Judy Wahl Talley 12/31/2010 12:08:04 PM

    I have a photo of my mother - around age 6 - standing on top of a Curtis Combine with her uncle - probably around 1930+. They farmed in Rush County, KS, near McCracken. The funny thing is, her uncle's name was Lawrence Curtis. I have no idea if they are related to the Combine Manufacturer.

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