Summary: The poster is securely preserved in a plastic wrapping on top of a foam-like base, to protect the poster from wear and aging. The dimensions below include measurements for both the poster and foam-like base (total length and width). The folds on the poster give hints to its usage, and allow for the scrutinous collector to investigate further (if anyone needs measurements from fold to fold, please message me).
The arm of the nurse reaching out to the viewer has a fading red cross stamp. To what this indicates I am unaware, however I am confident this narrows down the inquiry based puzzle of historical specifics.
This lithograph is a beautiful piece of American history, created by the talented artist Jamie Montgomery Flagg in 1942. The artwork features an advertisement for the Red Cross during World War II, and is a fantastic example of original militaria from that era. The lithograph is in excellent shape and has been well-preserved, making it a valuable addition to any collection. The art shows Uncle Sam behind a nurse in an attempt to mask caring (nurse) with a relatable authority (uncle Sam). Iconically, the two figures are present throughout American ww2 advertisements, propaganda, & etc. The piece was manufactured in the United States and is an original, authentic item. The lithograph measures with a length of 20.3 inches, and a width of 12.3 inches, and would make an impressive display in any room. Its intricate details and stunning visuals capture the spirit of the time in which it was created. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history with this Red Cross Advertisement Lithograph.
Condition: The poster remarkably possesses no structural damage (punctures, missing pieces, tares, etc), but does feature the previous fold lines of its original packaging. The corners of the poster remain well-intact, with the bottom right corner being folded slightly. There appears to be a stamp on the arm of the nurse drawn towards the viewer, which is fading away. The wear on the poster is bare-minimum, and the overall condition is wonderful!
Dimensions: Length: 20.3 in, & Width: 13.2 in.
History: According to the Hoover digital commons, this advertisement poster is skeptically dated to 1942, however certainly is of the range of 1941-1944 (ref. 1). I feel comfortable dating this collectible to 1942 with the Hoover commons, however I believe the range of 1941-1944 is more appropriate if exacts are not known.
This poster is an example of either an advertisement to raise funds for the war relief fund, or is an recruitment advertisement.
The Red Cross & The War Fund/s: The Red Cross during the second world war used roll calls to provide relief up till 1943 (ref. 1). As greater financial demands were required, the Red Cross implemented a War Fund Drive and successfully took in $66 million by 1942 (ref. 1). By 1942, the Red Cross decided to cancel its Roll Call and wait till 1943, due to the discussions with the president in forming a uni-joint fund (ref. 1 & 2). On July 25th of 1942, president Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9206 which moved foreign relief from state boards to the president's war relief control board (ref. 2). Also in 1942, the red cross asked the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of industrial Organizations to have common instead of indepent relief campaigns, as to facilitate funds and logistics easier (ref. 2). With the successful attempts, between the chairman of the Red Cross and president Roosevelt, the whole month of March of 1943 was declared the "Red Cross Month '', with the goal of $125 million demanded (ref. 1). Starting in February of 1943, the national war fund was founded as a joint financing appeal for various services within the government being the USO, and others alike (ref. 2). The purpose of the joint fund of 1943 was to avoid confusion and competition which had risen as the relief fundraising market took foot (ref. 2). The fund allowed only one agency for any given overseas country or function, and banned member organizations from doing drives of their own (ref. 2). About 19 national and 12 local service organizations (including the red cross) pooled their efforts during the war and aftermath to apply relief (ref. 2). The fund was liquidated in April of 1948 (ref. 2).
James Montgomery Flagg: More commonly known for his creation of the WW1 Uncle Sam "I want you For US Army '' poster, James Montgomery Flagg was an artist in cartoons and illustrations (ref. 2). Flagg was born on the 18th of June, 1877, in New York, and is known to have contributed to the Life magazine at the age of 14! (ref. 2). In 1898, Flagg attended the Arts Students League of New York, and would later study fine art in London and Paris from 1898 to 1900 (ref. 2). Upon his arrival, he was quick to produce lots of art which likely is known to many like the Uncle Sam poster of WW1. Throughout his years of productions, he would raise a large fan base and become famous for various pieces. By his later years, with failing eyesight, he was forced to abandon the art and died on May 27th of 1960 (ref. 2).
Uniqueness: With limited examples of this size and with the Red Cross Stamp on the arm of the nurse, this lithograph is very unique. With the original painting created by Jamie Montgomery Flagg, and printed by some unknown company, the province of this collectible is astounding. Being wrapped in plastic, and secured on a foam-back plate, the poster will remain well preserved for whoever wants to open it/hang it/frame it!
Important: Shipping includes packaging and shipment fees. Offering a 30-day return period, and open to negotiations on matters of price. Please reach out to me if you're interested in receiving more information or photos of the antique. Shipments will be sent out upon payments. Measurements can be rough and of human error, if you'd like a re-measurement for clarity purposes please message me. IMPORTANT: Please make sure the right address is sent to me, I will verify this in an email before I ship to you.
References:
1. https://digitalcollections.hoover.org/objects/36812/your-red-cross-needs-you
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Montgomery_Flagg