Massey Discussion Forums > Massey Talk > Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics
Order posts by: 

Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics

So here we go! I thought I would start a new thread just to keep things simple! 

First of all thanks for the 15 that said yes!!  If nothing more, it was a test to get you logged on and using the site.  Thank you for doing that.  Now on to the Buyers Guides…
 
First I must make a disclaimer: By no means do I know anything about the buyers guides and the various pieces that might be out there.  It is my hope that each of you might have something different than what I am going to list.  PLEASE post them so we can compare, trade and learn from each other.  I know there are larger more complete collections out there, so please share.
 
Organizationally, I think I will start with the most current items I have and will group them by year (I might add – I will not guarantee that my dates are correct, but it is a start!!).
 
For those just learning about the guides - in most cases, Massey Harris made a guide for both the United States and Canada.  The US version was called “Massey Harris Buyers Guide”.  The Canadian version was called the “Massey Harris Handy Farmers Catalogue.” Some pages were the same in both but others were not.  I will try to point out some of the differences as we go.
 
Many of the covers might look familiar to you only because MH also used the same picture for many of their advertising calendars.  I have never tried to match them up!!
 
Attached you will find what I have in my collection. The spreadsheet shows the year, which one it represents, in some cases the publication number assigned by MH and a short description of the cover.

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics

CURRENT GUIDES
 
Although I have not been collecting the MF Buyers Guides I have seen guides as late as 1987.  I will assume they were being made for both Canada and the US.  I am not sure when they stopped producing them (maybe they still do)!!
 
Here is the only late edition I have.  It is a 1968 version and as you can see from the title it is a Canadian issue.  This one has the 100 series tractor and disk.  I believe the 1964 issue has a tractor plowing.
 
Hopefully, some of you will post some of the more current guides as well.
Attachments
1968c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1957
 
The MH versions of the guides basically finished with 1957.  Although the theme is the same (92 SP combines) the covers are different.  Notice the Canadian version says Massey Harris Ferguson on the front title.
Attachments
1957a.jpg1957c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1956
 
As mentioned in an earlier part of the other thread from Keith O, there were two versions of the Canadian issue for 1955 and 1956. One was for the Massey dealers, the other for the Ferguson dealers.  I am not aware if there were two versions in the US.  This is what I have!!  Both featured the all new MH 50 tractor on the cover and the introduction of the 333, 444, 555 tractors inside
Attachments
1956a.jpg1956cMH.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1955

Again there were two versions of the 1955 version of the guides for Canada.  As you can see, they used the same picture but changed the sign on the top of the cover!!  The US version was a more contemporary art type cover.  You will notice 4-H, FFA, and kids on many of the covers!!
Attachments
1955a.jpg1955cMH.jpg1955cMHF.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1954

The Canadian version of 1954 proudly shows an FFA student with his calf and the US version with a freckled faced kid excited about the new delivery.  This was the introduction of the Pacer and 44 Special.
 
Attachments
1954a.jpg1954c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1953

The US guide has the family posing for a picture in front of the new delivery while the Canadian version has a 90 SP combine working In the field.  Inside featured the new Colt and Mustang, 33 and the 70, 80, 90 SP combine.
Attachments
1953a.jpg1953c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1952

As with all of the covers you will notice the superb art work on the covers.  They had some great artists back then!!  Shown on the Canadian version is a working farm; while the US version was all about family and youth.  You will notice the differences beginning to appear with the covers.  I believe this is the first introduction of LP tractors as well.
Attachments
1952a.jpg1952c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1951

I have always liked these two covers, both are in the MH store but you can see the differences!!  I personally think the Canadian version is much more intense – I like it!!  This was also the last year the Canadian version was produced in the smaller 7.5”x9” format.  This was also the end of printing numerous parts in the Canadian version.  You would see chains, canvases, sprockets – whatever you needed you could find in their “catalogue”.   I also think this was the introduction of the 55 Diesel, as well. 
Attachments
1951a.jpg1951c.jpg

RE:Massey Buyers Guides lists & pics


1950

These show the good life!!  This seems to be the most popular version of guides and calendars out there.  When was the last time you or your dad or your grandfather stopped plowing to lay under a tree and enjoy someone fishing?  Definitely a different word!!  Unfortunately I do not have a copy of the 1950 Canadian version, but my note say it has a combine and disk plow on the cover.  Pretty sure this is the fist guide with the 44 Diesel being shown. 
Attachments
1950a.jpg