WWII Poster Minute Men For Freedom’s Sake Buy War Bonds 11" x 14” 1943 O-514158 for Sale

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WWII Poster Minute Men For Freedom’s Sake Buy War Bonds 11" x 14” 1943 O-514158 For Sale

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WWII Poster Minute Men For Freedom’s Sake Buy War Bonds 11" x 14” 1943 O-514158:
$139.74

This artwork is a vintage poster promoting War Bonds during World War II, dating back to approximately 1943. The poster features prominent text in vibrant blue and red, urging individuals to "Buy War Bonds for Freedom's Sake." It was created and published by the U.S. Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C., and was designed by the talented artist John Atherton. The central imagery showcases the iconic Concord Minute Man statue set against the backdrop of Concord town.

The Concord Minute Man statue was unveiled on the centenary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, a pivotal event occurring on April 19, 1775, in Concord, Massachusetts. Sculpted by Daniel Chester French, this statue stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during that historic battle and the imperative to defend one's freedom. The poster effectively communicated to Americans their responsibility to safeguard their nation's liberty and encouraged them to contribute to the war effort by purchasing War Bonds.

Initially introduced as Defense Bonds on May 1, 1941, these financial instruments were later renamed War Bonds after the United States entered the war in December 1941. They were made accessible in denominations ranging from $25 to $1,000, designed to be affordable for every household. From 1942 to 1945, eight War Loan Drives were organized in the U.S., each aiming to raise additional funds ranging from $9 to $15 billion. The drives were structured to encourage competition among towns, with set quotas for each.

Volunteers actively engaged in the drives, going door-to-door, passionately advocating for bond sales, and rewarding purchasers with stickers for public display. The War Loan Drives took place on specific dates, including the First War Loan Drive from November 30 to December 23, 1942, and the Victory Loan Drive from October 29 to December 8, 1945.

By the conclusion of the war, a remarkable 85 million Americans, out of a total population of 131 million, had invested a substantial $185.7 billion in bonds, equating to over $2,000 per person—a significant commitment considering the average annual income was around $2,000. This tremendous display of patriotism and personal sacrifice by the average citizen played a vital role in bolstering the Allied war effort.

John Atherton, an accomplished American painter, was renowned for his keen sense of design and adept use of color. His body of work encompassed paintings for advertisers, magazines, and galleries, blurring the lines between fine and commercial art.

Measures 11 inches by 14 inches! Printed"U.S. Government Printing Office: 1943-O-514158 WSS 789" at bottom center. Artist's initials "J.A" in blue at bottom right of composition, near house.

This vintage original poster, in its original folded state as issued, exhibits signs of light use and wear from age. Although the colors still maintain their vibrancy, the poster displays noticeable wear including creases, tape marks, and instances of paper loss. Additionally, there are some areas with staining, indicating its age and previous handling.