Vintage Ertl 1/16 John Deere Square Baler & Bale Thrower Toy with Accessories

A highly collectible vintage 1/16 scale precision die-cast metal and pressed steel pull-behind farm implement toy manufactured by Ertl. This intricate model replicates a classic mid-century John Deere square hay baler equipped with a rear mechanical bale ejector/thrower assembly, finished in signature field green and safety yellow.
Key Design & Mechanical Features:
Functional Harvesting Hardware: Detailed forward pickup header assembly featuring rows of yellow teeth, a central feeding auger, and an upper mechanical chain-and-sprocket drive system.
Rear Bale Ejector: Outfitted with a rear-mounted spring-loaded bale thrower cage built with bright yellow protective plastic grid panels designed to toss miniature bales into a trailing wagon.
Accessories Included: Accompanied by three (3) loose molded green plastic miniature hay bale blocks displaying realistic straw texturing, along with a vintage printed paper insert sheet titled “The Story of the John Deere Baler.”
Maker Markings: The gear housing assembly is prominently stamped with a clean, raised “ERTL CO DYERSVILLE IOWA MADE IN U.S.A.” manufacturer registry mark.
Wheel Configuration: Smooth-rolling setup featuring two independent black rubber tires on yellow inset center hubs.
Condition Report:
The farm implement is in good, structurally sound vintage condition with free axle rotation, secure hitch linkages, and vibrant side decals. The green and yellow painted finishes display light to moderate play wear consistent with age, including small paint chips on the tow bar tongue, sheet metal edges, and fastener points. The original paper story sheet remains complete but shows minor edge wear and age-related toning.