Antique Tractor Weight Appraisal

Vintage Cast Iron Tractor Suitcase Weight

This is a heavy-duty industrial or agricultural component, specifically a cast iron 'suitcase' style counterweight used for stabilizing farm tractors or heavy machinery. The item is monolithic, cast in a single piece of iron with a thick block-like profile. It features several functional design elements: a built-in handle slot on the right side for manual lifting, a top notch for securing it to a bracket, and a square central cutout likely for a mounting bolt or hitch pin. The bottom-left section displays five vertical grooved ridges, which serve both as structural reinforcement and to aid in stacking multiple weights side-by-side without shifting. Physically, the item shows significant evidence of use and exposure to the elements. It is covered in a dense, uniform layer of surface oxidation (rust), resulting in a gritty, matte brown-orange patina. The casting appears coarse, with 'orange peel' textures and minor pitting typical of industrial sand-casting methods. There are visible chips and impact marks along the top edge, suggesting repeated mechanical stress. While no specific manufacturer logo is immediately visible due to the rust, the distinct geometric shape and ridge pattern are characteristic of agricultural equipment from the mid-to-late 20th century. The sheer density and lack of hollow sections indicate high-quality, high-mass construction designed for utility over aesthetics.