Description

Collection of Three International Harvester Cast Iron Figures – Two Cadets & Bear – Louisville KY (1948–1974)

This collection includes three cast-iron promotional figures produced by International Harvester at the Louisville, Kentucky foundry: two Cadet soldier figures and one Cub Bear figure. Each was originally designed as an in-house keepsake and was distributed to employees, guests, and visiting dignitaries as a symbol of the plant’s pride in its manufacturing achievements. The bases of all three pieces are marked “IH Louisville, KY,” confirming their origin at the historic Louisville Works, which first opened in 1947 and quickly became one of IH’s most innovative facilities.

The Cub Bear figure in this set represents one of the Louisville foundry’s earliest and most significant souvenirs. According to company records, the very first Bears were poured in January 1949 using metal from the new foundry’s inaugural melt. Early versions originally held a miniature tractor, but the design was revised almost immediately because the small tractor detail did not cast cleanly. The revised mold—like the example shown here—features a larger IH emblem in place of the tractor. Most surviving Bears date to 1949, while a small number were produced again on November 20, 1973 to commemorate the foundry’s heritage. These figures were generally unpainted, but many were later decorated by plant workers or their families, giving each surviving example a unique finish.

The two Cadet soldier figures were created much later and directly reference the success of International Harvester’s Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractor line. The first Cadet figure design was introduced in late 1960, coinciding with the launch of the original IH Cub Cadet tractor. These early versions were typically dated “NOV. 1960” on the underside of the base. A second version was cast in 1974 to celebrate IH’s milestone of producing 500,000 Cub Cadet units. Those commemorative figures often carry hand-stamped dates around September 14, 1974. The examples here feature hand-applied lettering (“GMCB” on one and “DAD…” on the other), which was common—employees often personalized their own figures or added initials as gifts.

All three pieces reflect IH’s long tradition of producing small cast-iron commemoratives for internal use rather than retail sale. They were cast at the Louisville Works foundry by plant craftsmen, hand-finished, and occasionally personalized before being given away. Because they were never sold to the public and production numbers were low, surviving examples—especially early Bear figures—are cherished by collectors of agricultural memorabilia, IH historians, and Louisville industrial collectors.

Together, these three cast-iron souvenirs form a cohesive timeline of Louisville IH history, from the foundry’s very first symbolic metal pour in 1949, through the introduction of the Cub Cadet line in 1960, and finally to the half-million-unit celebration in 1974. Displayed as a group, they represent 25 years of manufacturing milestones at one of International Harvester’s most storied American plants.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement(s): 4 1/2 to 6 inches.

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.