Vintage 1940s Indian Deer Crate Label — Indian River Fruit, Deerfield Groves Company, Wabasso Florida

Step into the golden age of citrus with the extraordinary Indian Deer Crate Label from the 1940s! This vintage gem, measuring a perfect 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches, is not just a label – it's a portal to a time when Indian River fruit set the standard in the Florida citrus industry. Imagine the excitement as this stunning deer crate label adorned wooden crates filled with sun-kissed oranges, ready to be shipped across the nation!

The centerpiece of this magnificent label is a majestic deer, expertly rendered in vibrant hues that leap off the paper. This isn't just any deer – it's a proud symbol of Wabasso, Florida's rich wildlife, captured forever in this Indian deer crate masterpiece. the flat gold relief of the stag medallion in its shield cartouche showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the era, making this deer crate label a true work of art.

But there's more to this Indian deer crate label than meets the eye! It's a tangible piece of American history, intertwined with the expansion of railroads in southern Florida. As trains chugged through the lush landscapes, they carried crates adorned with this very label, spreading the sweet taste of Florida sunshine across the country. This deer crate label isn't just decorative – it's a testament to the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the citrus boom of the late 19th century.

Collectors, history buffs, and decor enthusiasts, take note! This Indian Deer Crate Label is more than just a vintage find – it's a conversation starter, a piece of Americana, and a stunning addition to any space. Imagine the stories it could tell, from the orchards of Wabasso to the bustling markets of distant cities. Whether you display it proudly on a shelf, frame it as a focal point on your wall, or incorporate it into a vintage-themed room, this deer crate label will transport you and your guests to a bygone era of elegance and prosperity.

Don't let this rare opportunity slip through your fingers! Owning this Indian deer crate label means possessing a slice of Florida's golden age, a time when the citrus industry was king and labels like these were works of art in their own right. It's not just decor – it's a time machine, a piece of history you can touch and admire every day. So seize the moment and make this extraordinary Indian Deer Crate Label a part of your collection today!

📋 What Is Printed On This Label

Every line of type on the sheet, transcribed from the label itself rather than paraphrased:

• INDIAN DEER
• REG. U. S. PAT. OFF.
• INDIAN RIVER FRUIT
• DISTRIBUTED BY
• DEERFIELD GROVES COMPANY, WABASSO, FLA.
• PRODUCE OF U. S. A.

Printer: a lithographer's imprint is physically present on this sheet, but it is set in microtype below what the photographs resolve. It is left unread rather than guessed at — a flat re-scan of that corner would settle it.

Indian River Fruit is an appellation, not a company. INDIAN RIVER FRUIT is printed in large white capitals in the lower blue panel — it is the regional designation for citrus grown along Florida's Indian River lagoon, one of the oldest protected fruit appellations in the country. The company printed on this label is DEERFIELD GROVES COMPANY of Wabasso, Florida, and the sheet says DISTRIBUTED BY — not grown by, not packed by.

REG. U. S. PAT. OFF. is printed in small capitals beside the brand name, which establishes INDIAN DEER as a registered mark.

The two medallions. Both devices are flat gold-toned relief-style portraits in matching yellow-outlined shield cartouches — a man in a feathered headdress at the upper left, a stag's head at the lower right of the red sash.