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Vintage WAR TIME POSTERS
The first half of the Twentieth Century was the era of great propaganda posters. Before the age of TV, governments used these printed War Time wall posters as a means to communicate with its citizens and prod them to action. Political, economic and social situations were explained simply and beautifully - often bluntly - by illustrators including the premiere artists of the day.
The Art-cade Gallery's collection of vintage American War Time posters presented here was assembled around 3 principles: (1) posters using illustrations that are in themselves handsome pieces of artwork; (2) posters, originally intended to be throw-a-ways, that have survived in fine to mint condition (many have since been backed for durability); (3) a fair market price reflecting that these posters become more rare with each passing day.
Each vintage War Time poster here is guaranteed genuine and authentic. There are NO reproductions included.
We accept Visa and MasterCard payments. Ask about our Free Layaway Plan as you shop online.
Art-cade Gallery's War Time Vintage Posters are divided into and shown in three historic eras:
(1) Browse the images. (2) Full specifics including a brief background, approx. size and condition are given in the text. (3) Call toll free to order.
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World War I Posters
World War I Posters
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Have You a Red Cross Service Flag?
1918. Jesse Wilcox Smith, illustrator. Sentimental image by one of America's greatest women illustrators. This poster, promoting the Red Cross Service Flag, shows a young boy affixing a flag to his window. Only members of the Red Cross could display the flags and additional smaller stars were added for other dues paying household members. Very good condition.
28x21 Paper. Linen backed.
$350
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Universal Membership Week - Red Cross Christmas Roll Call
1918. Harrison Fisher and A.E. Foringer, illustrators. Horizontal banner with nice color illustrations combining art by both Fisher and Foringer on one poster. Unusual proportions for a poster. Vertical fold; otherwise excellent condition.
9x42 Paper.
$175
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Third Red Cross Roll Call
1918. Haskell Coffin, illustrator. Beautiful nurse stands before a blue background and extends her arms in a plea for help. Very good condition.
30x20 Paper.
$225
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Red Cross poster (without lettering)
Harrison Fisher, illustrator. Beautiful Red Cross image without letters. This image was issued in a variety of sizes and formats. Full margins. Very good condition.
21x28 Paper. Linen backed.
$400
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Greatest Mother in the World
1917. Alonzo E. Foringer, illustrator. This version announces the "Christmas Roll Call December 16-23." One of the most famous World War I images. Shows a Red Cross nurse cradling a wounded soldier on a stretcher. Its appeal lies in religious associations with the Virgin and Child. The Greatest Mother figure was unofficially adopted as a trademark of the Red Cross and was used again in identical form in World War II. Restored. Excellent condition.
40x30 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$495
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Join the NAVY The Service for Training and Travel
1917. James Montgomery Flagg, illustrator. Very scarce recruiting poster by America's best known illustrator. This poster focuses on men ages 17-35. Excellent condition.
23x31 Paper.
$375
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Invest in Liberty Bonds To-day
1917. Louis Raemaekers, renowned political cartoonist. Liberty Loan poster utilizing black and white political cartoon, "Will you be ready to-morrow to make munitions for Germany? If not . . . Invest in Liberty Bonds To-day" Excellent condition.
19x12 Paper.
$150
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Ring It Again -- Buy U.S. Gov't Bonds
1917. Unknown illustrator. A colorful group of Colonials stands around Independence Hall and cheers the Liberty Bell for the Third Liberty Loan. Publisher: Sackett & Wilhelms Corp. N.Y. Very good condition.
30x20 Paper. Fabric backed with Chartex.
$225
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Ring It Again -- Buy U.S. Gov't Bonds.
1917. Unknown illustrator. A colorful group of Colonials stands around Independence Hall and cheers the Liberty Bell for the Third Liberty Loan. Publisher: Sackett & Wilhelms Corp. N.Y. Very good condition.
30x20 Paper.
$175
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Save Your Child From Autocracy and Poverty
1918. Herbert Paus, illustrator. Unusual black and white proof for famous W.S.S. poster. Novel composition using Statue of Liberty and a child representing the future. Printed by Brandon -- Nashville. Excellent condition.
28x20 Paper.
$240
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Boys and Girls! You can help...
1917. James Montgomery Flagg, illustrator. Boys and girls! You can help your Uncle Sam win the war - save your quarters, buy War Savings Stamps. One of the classic World War I posters with Uncle Sam and two children. American Lithographic Co., N.Y. Excellent condition.
30x20 Paper.
$525
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Boys and Girls! You can help ...
1917. James Montgomery Flagg, illustrator. Boys and girls! You can help your Uncle Sam win the war - save your quarters, buy War Savings Stamps. One of the classic World War I posters with Uncle Sam and two children. American Lithographic Co., N.Y. Excellent condition.
40x30 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$795
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For Active Service Join the Marines
1917. Sidney Riesenberg, illustrator. Rare. Marines recruiting poster issued just before American entry into World War I. Although the illustration is dated 1913, probably was printed in 1917. Desirable small format for display, and the poster has the recruiting office imprint at bottom, "215 Federal Building, Buffalo, NY." Excellent condition.
26x18 Card.
$350
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Halt the Hun!
1918. Henry Raleigh, illustrator. A striking stark flame-colored World War I poster promoting U.S. Government bonds for the Third Liberty Loan. Shows American soldier holding back a German soldier who is standing over a woman with her child. Publisher: Edwards & Deutsch, Chicago. Fine condition.
30x20 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$350
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The Spirit of '18. The World Cry: Food
1918. William McKee, illustrator. United States Food Administration poster depicts farmer soldiers marching from the fields (after Willard's The Spirit of '76) with pride bearing arms full of Home Garden "ammunition" to help in the war efforts. Printer: Boston-Forbes. Fine condition, bright colors. Fabric backed with Chartex.
30x20 Paper.
$495
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Clear the Way!! 4th Liberty Loan
1918. Howard Chandler Christy, illustrator. Scarce. One of the classic World War I bond posters. "Clear-the-way!! Buy bonds -- Fourth Liberty Loan," is a classic H.C. Christy painting showing his beautiful rendition of women. Created only in this size format. Printer: Forbes-Boston. Fine condition.
30x20 Paper.
$525
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Good Bye, Dad. I'm off to Fight for Old Glory
1918. Lawrenc Harris, illustrator. Third Liberty Loan poster. Classic World War I image of a patriotic son bidding Good Bye to his father as he leaves to battle the enemy with the reminder to buy government bonds to support the cause. Sacket & Wilhelms, NY. Fine condition.
30x20 Paper.
$325
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Over the Top For You
1918. Sidney Riesenberg, illustrator. A classic and dramatic patriotic poster stating the promise to win with the request for support through the purchase of government bonds. Third Liberty Loan series. Ketterlinus, Phila. Fine condition.
30x20 Paper.
$375
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Buy United States War Savings Stamps
1917. Albert Sterner, illustrator. Lithographic image of various immigrant nationalities waiting at a window tended by Uncle Sam to purchase War Savings Stamps (WWS). A little girl waves a flag in the foreground. One of the most artistic presentations and lithographic prints of any World War I poster. Fine condition.
40x30 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$675
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That Government of the People ... Buy Liberty Bonds
1917. Unknown illustrator.Unusual painting simulating a bronze plaque showing Abraham Lincoln in profile and reminding potential buyers of the bonds of Lincoln's idea from his Gettysburg Address: "That government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." In bronze metal frame with double mat. (34 x 24.75 framed size)
30x20 Paper.
$275unframed
$400 framed
$275
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His Liberty Bond - Paid for in Full
1917. W.A. Rogers, famed turn-of-the-century illustrator. Litho crayon drawing "Published through the patriotic cooperation of The New York Herald. This played on the guilt of people on the homefront-- are you doing your part? Tape stain at upper right corner, otherwise very good condition with tape repairs.
23x17 Paper. Fabric backed with Chartex.
$175
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That Liberty Shall Not Perish From the Earth
1917. Joseph Pennell, illustrator. Hard to find. Startling image showing the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline in flames. Buy Fourth Liberty Bonds. Excellent condition.
41x30 Paper. Fabric backed with Chartex.
$950
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World War II
World War II Posters
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The Marines Have Landed
1942. James Montgomery Flagg, illustrator. Very collectible. This classic recalls the early days of reinforcing Midway Island in the Pacific Theater. This iconic poster shows the Marines charging ashore with rifles held high. Powerful image by the creator of the iconic Uncle Sam look. Excellent condition. Restored.
40x28 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$900
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Lexington, 1775 / Independence - July 4, 1776
1942. James Daugherty, illustrator. Interesting poster for war stamps and bonds with instructions to cut along the dotted lines and display as four separate posters. Each section focuses on Revolutionary War themes. Excellent condition.
38x25 Paper.
$195
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VICTORY - Now you can invest in it!
1945. Dean Cornwell, illustrator. American Eagle spreads his wings before a star-filled red, white, and blue background. Beautiful display piece. Excellent condition.
28x22 Paper.
$500
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VICTORY - Now you can invest in it!
1945. Dean Cornwell illustrator. American Eagle spreads his wings before a star-filled red, white, and blue background. Beautiful display piece. Excellent condition.
28x22 Paper. Linen backed.
$550
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Don't SHIVER next Winter . . . Order Coal NOW!
1944. Egmont Arens, illustrator. Shivering penguin wearing a hat and scarf stands forlornly in a nearly empty coal bin. Excellent condition.
26x18 Paper.
$245
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All Fuel is Scarce, Plan for Winter Now!
1945. Albert Dorne, illustrator. Man looks out a frosted window of a house at an outdoor thermometer. The Solid Fuels Administration outlines the rules for preparing for winter conservation of fuels. Very good condition.
28x20 Paper.
$175
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Let's ALL Fight!! Buy War Bonds
1942. Unknown illustrator.War Savings staff illustrator. Dramatic image of charging soldier with bayonet-equipped M-1 rifle. Great image of war workers support of infantryman going into battle. In the background are small black & white images of people working in various industries and a building with smokestacks. Horizontal format. Very good condition.
22x28 Paper.
$350
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For Freedom's Sake
1943. John Atherton, illustrator. Statue of Concord Minute Man standing guard over an American townscape. (Sculpture by Daniel Chester French in Concord, Massachusetts.) Buy War Bonds. Very good condition.
28x20 Paper.
$350
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"You buy 'em, we'll fly 'em!"
1942. Walter Wilkinsons, illustrator. Classic design with pilot giving the viewer the "thumbs up." A formation of U.S. Army planes flies overhead. In the background is a hangar with plane and personnel. Round emblem at lower right corner of picture contains image of Minute Man statue with slogan, "The more bonds you buy--the more planes will fly." One of the most popular World War II posters. Defense Bond Stamps. Very good condition.
14x10 Paper.
$295
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Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory
1944. Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer, illustrator. Scarce. Stunning image for the U.S. Army Women's Army Corps showing their support of the front line troops depicted in the background. From a series honoring various services serving in World War II. Schlaikjer is recognized as among the greatest poster artists of that war. Very good condition.
28x20 Paper.
$340
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In the Face of Obstacles - Courage
1943. Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer, U.S. War Department, illustrator. Army machine gunners in dramatic battle scene action painting by perhaps the greatest World War II poster artist. "In The Face Of Obstacles - Courage" U.S. World War II propaganda poster for the US Infantry Information. Mint condition. Restored.
40x29 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$950
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A Sign of Comradeship - and Proud of It!
1943. Al Capp, noted cartoonist and creator of comic strip Li'l Abner. Most unusual poster. Fascinating cartoon poster utilizing Li'l Abner to educate newly enlisted soldiers. "Salutin' is a mutual privilege between officers an' men!!!" Abner informs the recruits. Newsmap printed on the back dated 12/13/1943, "222nd week of the war, 104th week of our participation." Photos and maps. Very good condition.
35x47 Paper.
$195
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I'm proud of you folks, too!
1944. Jon Whitcomb, illustrator. Rare. Shows sailor shaking hands with two industrial workers, a man in overalls and a woman in a white apron with hair-covering (viz, Rosie the Riveter) encouraging increased war production on the homefront. Issued by United States Navy, Industrial Incentive Division. Mint condition.
28x40 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$850
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The United Nations Fight for Freedom
1942. S. Broder, illustrator. The use of "United Nations" here precedes the post-war organization and refers rather to the combined allies fighting the Axis powers in early World War II. With the Statue of Liberty symbolizing the Allies, the flags of all the nations which were part of the group are displayed. Office of War Information. Fold marks (machine folded before issue) Near Fine.
40x30 Paper.
$225
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A Careless word - A needless Sinking
1942. Anton Otto Fischer, illustrator. Showing risk to merchant vessels, this is one of several "careless word" homefront security posters using maritime artist Anton Otto Fischer's poignant images.The detail of Fisher's composition and mood in "A careless word
" help distinguish him as one of the government's finest illustrators during the war. Office of War Information poster. Excellent condition.
28x22 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper.
$275
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A Careless word - A Needless Loss
1943. Anton Otto Fischer, illustrator. A homefront security poster with a particularly powerful punch. Naval illustrator Anton Otto Fisher's work is more pictorial than most of the posters created during WWII. This graphic image of a dead sailor who was a victim of careless talk makes a particularly poignant point. Office of War Information poster. Very good condition.
28x22 Paper.
$250
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If you tell where he is going he many never get there!
1943. John Falter, USNR, illustrator. Posters like this warned people that even small bits of information regarding troop movements would be useful to the enemy. A smiling sailor with an enormous duffel bag on his shoulder is ready to set sail. Adjutant General's Office poster. Folded. Few small tape stains at corners. Near fine condition.
28x20 Paper.
$295
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I'm Counting on You
1943. Leon Helguera, illustrator. Office of War Information. During World War II, images of Uncle Sam were used to promote national security, especially in plants that were producing war materials under government contracts. "Don't discuss troop movements, ship sailings, war equipment." This poster was inspired by James Montgomery Flagg's 1917 "I Want You for the U.S. Army." Excellent condition.
28x20 Paper.
$225
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Present with a Future
1942. Adolph Dehn, illustrator. A poster urging homefront citizens to give presents with a future - war bonds - for the holidays early in the war effort. Usual folds. Very good to excellent condition,
28x22 Paper.
$350
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Four Freedoms Poster
1943. Norman Rockwell, illustrator. Very rare. This rare presentation of Norman Rockwell's famous Four Freedoms series of prints places all four iconic images on one large poster. This was only issued in this "one sheet" size. Good to fine condition.
40x28 Paper.
$725
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Four Freedoms Poster Suite
1943. Norman Rockwell, illustrator. Extremely rare. Perhaps the most iconic, popular-then and memorable-now World War II posters is the quartet of American posters the illustrator Norman Rockwell painted celebrating the American way of life. These four posters are based on President Franklin Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union speech which identified four indispensable human rights which should be universally protected and serve as a backdrop for American policy to become more involved in the deepening world discord which was mounting in Europe and Asia. Pearl Harbor was less than a year away.
Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Want and Freedom From Fear were the topics of these four paintings which originally were reproduced in 1943 over four consecutive weeks in The Saturday Evening Post as illustrations accompanying essays by prominent thinkers of the day. Soon the original paintings were the focal point of a fund-raising touring exhibition sponsored by the Saturday Evening Post and the Department of the Treasury which raised over $132 million in the sale of war bonds before it was over. They probably are the most widely distributed paintings ever produced.
When posters were made of this artwork, three different sizes were produced. Most popular was the small 28 x 20 size while a 40 x 28 size was useful for larger displays. A limited number of a large 56 x 40 version of the Four Freedoms were also printed. These posters are approximately the same size as the original Rockwell paintings. This is the size of the extraordinary suite we offer. Not only are these pieces quite rare, but having a complete set is highly unusual. In addition, each of the four posters is professionally backed, cleaned and minimally restored to its original mint condition. A great set for a patriotic display. Sold as a suite.
56x40 Paper. Backed with Japanese rice paper. Restored to near mint condition.
Inquire for price.
A second set of four unrestored and unbacked Rockwell "Four Freedoms" 56 x 40 posters is available at a reduced price. Good+ condition, flat rolled with previous fold marks.
$Inquire
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The Four Freedoms: From Want
1943. Norman Rockwell, illustrator. Becoming scarce. One of the set of four most beloved posters issued during World War II. Successfully used to encourage purchase of war bonds to finance the war efforts. Very good condition.
28x20 Paper.
$250
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The Four Freedoms: From Fear
1943. Norman Rockwell, illustrator. Becoming scarce. One of the set of four most beloved posters issued during World War II. Successfully used to encourage purchase of war bonds to finance the war efforts. Very good condition.
28x20 Paper.
$250
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She's A Swell Plane
1942. Robert Riggs, illustrator. Rare. A home front workplace incentive poster shows an American aviator in flight uniform removing his goggles and giving a "thumbs up" to airplane factory workers hoping to encourage them to "give us more" swell planes for the war effort. Printed in black and white with red. Usual folds. Very good condition otherwise.
40x28 Paper.
$225
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Your Right to Vote
1943. L.R. Miller, illustrator. Vivid image of a hand reaching for a ballot lever with a version of Franklin Roosevelt's Four Freedoms on the voting machine. The need to protect the freedoms expounded in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights was a common theme of wartime patriotic posters. Issued by Think American Institute, Rochester, NY. Excellent condition.
27x20 Paper.
$195
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Make Yours A Victory Home
1943. Francis Criss, illustrator. Rare. Shows a "V Home" poster and service star pennant that hang in window. Tells how those remaining on the homefront -- especially women -- could work for victory overseas by efforts at home. Sacrifices, effort, and preserving certain goods for the war could help "Bring Them Back to You!" Conserve everything you can, plus "walk and carry packages" yourself. Good condition with small tears at fold.
28x22 Paper.
$195
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Don't Travel Unless Your Trip Helps
1945. Rare. Four black and white cartoons appear to be tacked to a blue background. They depict various excuses for travel which are characterized as frivolous including "It's impossible to find anything in the local shops" and "But Grandma misses us so." Issued by the Office of Defense Transportation. Fine condition.
26x18 Paper.
$140
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Millions of Troops are on the Move -- Is Your Trip Necessary?
1943. Montgomery Melbourne, illustrator. Rare. "Millions of Troops are on the Move -- Is Your Trip Necessary?" the poster asks citizens on homefront showing an image of a throng of troops on the move. Conservation of fuel for the war effort was in full swing by 1943. Issued by the Office of Defense Transportation. Fine condition.
28x22 Paper.
$140
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Where Our Men Are Fighting
1943. Unknown illustrator. Rare. In the foreground, a crate of food is dropping via parachute. In the background are parachuting men. "Buy wisely, cook carefully, store carefully, use leftovers." Where our men are fighting, our Food is fighting. OWI poster. Usual folds. Very good to excellent condition.
28x22 Paper.
$195
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Brotherhood Week
1943. "We are fighting for the right of men to live together as members of one family rather than as masters and slaves." The text is a message from President Franklin D. Roosevelt about the importance of Brotherhood Week during wartime in 1943. Printed in brown on beige stock. OWI. Very good to excellent condition.
20 x28 Paper.
$125
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Message About Food from the President
1945. Rare. "In this fourth year of the war the need for food is greater than ever before." A message from new President Harry Truman urging Americans to grow, preserve, and conserve food. This is an all-lettered poster, white printing on blue background, with a U.S. seal appearing at the top center. Very good to excellent condition.
26x18 Paper.
$85
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Message to the Tenants from the Government
1942. Rare. Lists different ways for homefront citizens to conserve energy including using less hot water and turning off light bulbs. Very good to excellent condition.
20x14 Paper.
$85
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Guard Your Family's Health
1943. Rare. An unusual all lettered poster urging mothers on the homefront to "guard your family's health" by taking a nutrition class to learn about new wartime foods. A blank is left for the insertion of a location for area classes. Usual folds. Very good condition.
28x22 Paper.
$85
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Urgent Notice
1945. Rare. "Fighting men and materials are being shifted for final phases of the war with Japan." An all-lettered poster with black text on orange background. The poster warns the reader not to discuss military information because the Japanese are looking for such information. Signatures at bottom include military officials and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Usual folds. Excellent condition.
26x18 Paper.
$260
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Post War Era
Post War Era Posters
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America's Security Loan - Buy Bonds Today!
1948. Unknown illustrator. Official U.S. Treasury poster encouraging the purchase of Savings Bonds. Very Fine condition. A post war issue in the early years of the Cold War.
26x18 Paper.
$150
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Defend America! Buy US Defense Bonds
1951. Dean Cornwell, illustrator. Rare. Strong American Eagle image against a red, white, and blue background. A rare reprinting of Cornwell's 1945 Victory Loan World War II poster with new wording. Excellent condition.
26x18 Paper.
$300
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Support Civil Defense
1956. Hugh Brown, illustrator. This poster was an advertisement for Civil Defense Week showing the natural disaster side of CD rather than the "nuclear" side. At the very bottom is the phrase: Distributed as a Public Service by the Boy Scouts of America. Cold War era Civil Defense posters are becoming collectible and a great Baby Boomer subject. Slight pen marking in bottom border outside image. Near fine condition.
28x22 Paper.
$125
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I Want You For US Army
1968. James Montgomery Flagg, illustrator. This is a Vietnam era reissue of Flagg's iconic World War I recruiting image with space at the bottom to insert address of nearest recruiting station. One of the most popular images in advertising even today. Printed on thick card. Mint condition.
14x11 Card.
$225
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National D-Day Memorial Unveiling
2000. Rare. This card-stock poster was issued for the May 28, 2000, unveiling of a portion of the National D-Day Memorial monuments in Bedford, Va. This western Virginia town was chosen because 21 of its 35 soldiers died in the 1944 Normandy invasion, the greatest loss from any one American community. Included among the speakers at the event was Jeannie Schulz, widow of "Peanuts" cartoonist and World War II veteran Charles Schulz, who took over as campaign chairman of the National D-Day Foundation after her husband died earlier that year. Formal site dedication ceremonies were held on June 6, 2001. Mint condition.
11x17 Card.
$125
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Our Fighting Navy Portfolio
A Vintage Art Portfolio
1945. Arthur Beaumont, illustrator. Set of 8 color prints by Lt. Commander Arthur Beaumont, the Navy's leading marine artist of the World War II era. Dramatic action scenes include (1) USS battleship Alabama, (2) USS heavy cruiser Louisville, (3) USS light cruiser Cleveland, (4) USS light cruiser San Diego, (5) USS aircraft carrier Enterprise, (6) destroyer Fletcher class, (7) shown at left Sea Terrier - destroyer Escort, and (8) motor torpedo boats. The paintings are dated 1944. Portfolio is complete with blue jacket containing information about each painting. Portfolio is 10.5 x 14 inches. Very good to excellent condition with some aging of the paper.
8x11 images, portfolio of 8 subjects. Paper.
$275
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