November/December 2025 Antique Power
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cover feature | 1952 Case DO
The November/December 2025 issue of Antique Power magazine is available in our gift shop and will be available in subscriber mailboxes and on newsstands soon. Check out smooth curves on this beauty! This 1952 Case DO is the pride of Robert von Bernuth’s tractor collection!
Pick of the Crop
This 1952 Case DO is the pride of Robert von Bernuth’s tractor collection!
Story by Robert Gabrick, Photos by Brad Bowling
In 1952, the United States remained involved in the Korean War that had begun in June 1950. It was an effort that continued to disrupt the American economy as government-imposed military priorities diverted materials such as steel and copper; farm tractor and implement manufacturers were also heavily impacted.
It was a presidential election year, with the overseas conflict playing a key role in the outcome as World War II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson. In late November, Eisenhower fulfilled a campaign promise by traveling to South Korea to begin efforts to end the war, which ceased—for the U.S.—in July 1953.
On the lighter side of things, 32 percent of American households—or 15.3 million households—owned a television set in 1952, up from a mere 20,000 in 1946. Farm folks—like their city-dwelling counterparts—watched such top-rated entertainment as I Love Lucy, Dragnet, and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet in black-and-white splendor on their RCA, Admiral, Philco, or Zenith.
The 1952 Case Model DO seen on these pages began its life as the nation continued to transform from a labor-intensive, animal-powered agriculture to one increasingly reliant on mechanization. While farm numbers declined, the average farm size was increasing, all contributing to greater agricultural production. One of those farm-based households was home to the unknown apple, cherry, blueberry, peach, pear, or grape grower in western Michigan (the part known as the state’s “Fruit Belt”) who bought our featured Case Model DO, which was specially equipped for orchards and groves.
To read the full story, pick up a copy of the November/December 2025 issue of Antique Power magazine!
Other articles in this issue include:
From the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Photos from the Attic
The Canada Connection: The International Harvester Company of Canada This is the story of IH’s Canadian branch.
Paper Farming: More Tractor Conversions
It was a brief but profitable period!Dr. Dan’s Tractor Clinic: Tappet Dancing
Keeping your engine ticking like a fine watch—not a time bomb!Pick of the Crop
This 1952 Case DO is the pride of Robert von Bernuth’s tractor collection!
Story by Robert Gabrick, Photos by Brad BowlingOrigin Story
Mark Fimian’s L210 tractor and a chainsaw helped launch Kubota Tractor Corp. in the United States!
Story by Chad Elmore, Photos by Brad BowlingThe Unstyled Trio
These John Deere tractors represent three very influential men in my life!
Story by Jake Barnes and Samantha Hinson, Photos by Brad BowlingClassifieds
Show Guide
Ted’s Tech Tips: Fire in the Hole
Of Grease & Chaff: Class B—Aboveground Blasting
Gallery: Photo by Bob Kisken
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