Vintage Renk Seed Co. “Kernel Renk” + “Kornelia” Collectible Lot – Rare WMF Renk & Sons – Sun Prairie, WI
Offered here is an extraordinary and rare lot of vintage promotional items from Renk Seed Company, a family-owned agricultural business founded in the 1930s in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin by William F. Renk. Renk Seed Co. became one of the Midwest’s most recognized seed brands, and their mascots Kernel Renk and Kornelia were used in promotional campaigns for decades.
One of the highlights of this lot is the 1970 WMF Renk & Sons “Kernel Renk” doll, marked with the date on the back of its neck. Only 144 dozen dolls were ever produced—making this a very rare piece of agricultural advertising history.
Included in This Lot:
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1 “Kernel Renk” doll with original clothing & shoes (marked WMF Renk & Sons Co. Inc. 1970)
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Clothes have a rip in inseam and small tear at inside of one armpit
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Red vest has light sun-fading at the front where the chain is
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Shoes intact, paint in good condition
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1 large Renk canister (lid has a small chip on top edge)
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7 pencil + eraser combos
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2 yellow-barreled pens (larger “barrel” style – both work!)
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8 yellow & silver-barrel pens (smaller style – untested except one that did not write)
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4 red plastic-barrel pens
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1 Kernel Renk charm
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1 Renk keychain (back shows dirt/discoloration)
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1 Renk measuring tape (working order)
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4 magnets (2 Kernel Renk, 2 Kornelia)
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1 ruler
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1 embroidered Renk patch (unused)
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1 metal Renk clip magnet
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1 small mirror with plastic pouch
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1 Renk logo magnet
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1 “plastic thing” (possibly a promo token or part – see photos)
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2 Renk belt buckles (dated 1992)
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1 small Renk keychain knife (stamped “50 years”)
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1 unused Renk note/field book
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1 small notepad (writing on cover & inside)
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1 Renk vegetable peeler (mint in package)
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1 flathead screwdriver with “corn” embedded inside handle
Condition Notes:
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Doll shows light sun fading and clothing wear, but overall excellent for age.
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Some promotional pens work, others untested or dry.
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Canister lid has a chip; other items may have light wear from age/use.
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See photos for full details on condition.
Historical Significance:
Founded during the Great Depression, Renk Seed Co. grew from a small farm operation into a major seed producer known across the Midwest for hybrid corn and soybeans. Their marketing campaigns often featured the cartoon mascots Kernel Renk and Kornelia, who appeared on merchandise, in advertisements, and as life-size costumes at agricultural events.
Items like the WMF Renk & Sons “Kernel Renk” doll were made in extremely limited numbers, making them highly collectible today—especially in complete or near-complete sets like this one. Renk Seed promotional pieces capture a slice of midwestern farming history and Americana advertising design.
Why This Lot is Special:
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Includes a rare limited-production mascot doll (only 144 dozen ever made)
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Broad range of original Renk promotional items from different decades
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Perfect for collectors of vintage agricultural advertising, Midwest farm memorabilia, or company mascots
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Many items in working order, adding both historical and functional appeal
Reasonable offers are welcomed and will be considered.
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Just so you know, we use quality, recycled boxes to ship your items. Part of our dedication to keeping our business as green as possible while providing you safe, and affordable shipping. If you're purchasing this item(s) to eat or drink out of or serve food on, we recommend you wash your item(s) first.
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