This object is currently on display in room 105 as part of Give Me a Sign: The Language of Symbols. See our image rights statement.
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Object Timeline
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1964 |
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1972 |
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1974 |
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2015 |
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2023 |
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2024 |
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Gearshift Prototype Vehicle Control Knob
This is a Prototype Vehicle Control Knob. It was designed by Henry Dreyfuss and from the office of Henry Dreyfuss Associates and made for (as the client) John Deere. It is dated ca. 1969 and we acquired it in 1972. Its medium is abs plastic. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.
An image is easier to read in a limited space—such as on a control knob or a keyboard button—than a written caption. In the 1960s, as John Deere started selling farm equipment around the world, Dreyfuss and his design team placed symbols on all controls and instruments for the safety and ease of Deere’s global users.
Using the example of a Deere vehicle dashboard’s knobs and levers, the Symbol Sourcebook pointed out how three-dimensional shapes can also be symbols. The fluted, round, notched, and perforated shapes shown here are recognized by the operator’s touch in addition to sight.
This object was
donated by
Henry Dreyfuss.
It is credited Gift of Henry Dreyfuss.
- Leveron Door Handle Attachment, 1983
- molded plastic.
- Gift of Lindustries.
- 2014-47-2
- Flashlight (USA)
- chrome-plated metal, plastic.
- Gift of Barbara and Max Pine.
- 1993-133-1
Its dimensions are
H x diam.: 4.1 × 4.1 cm (1 5/8 × 1 5/8 in.)
Cite this object as
Gearshift Prototype Vehicle Control Knob; Designed by Henry Dreyfuss (American, 1904–1972); Office of Henry Dreyfuss Associates (United States); Client: John Deere (United States); abs plastic; H x diam.: 4.1 × 4.1 cm (1 5/8 × 1 5/8 in.); Gift of Henry Dreyfuss; 1972-88-131-2
