“For Defense. Buy United States Savings Bonds and Stamps.” Vintage Wwii Poster, 1941

This is a vintage savings bond poster from WWII, dating to 1941. The poster reads “For Defense. Buy United States Savings Bonds and Stamps. Ask About Our Pay Roll Allotment Plan” in dark green, teal, and red lettering. The poster was published in Washington, D.C. by the U. S. Government Printing Office. It depicts the Concord Minute Man statue.

The Minute Man statue was unveiled on the centennial of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which was fought on April 19, 1775 in Concord, Massachusetts. The statue was created by sculptor Daniel Chester French. It serves as a reminder of the lives lost at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, as well as the need to fight for one’s freedom. This poster reminded Americans of their duty to protect their country’s freedom, and encouraged them to support the war effort by buying savings bonds and stamps.

During WWII, the government received funding directly from United States citizens in the form of war saving bonds and stamps, which were paid back later with interest. Purchasing war bonds was viewed as a way for American citizens to support the war effort. Traditionally, large dollar bond amounts, ranging from $50 to $1000, were purchased for bonds. However, in the 1940’s, the average American did not have extra money to purchase these large bond amounts. In response, war savings stamps were created by the United States Post Office.

These postal stamps were in smaller denominations, starting at 10 and 25 cents, ranging up to $1 and $5, and could be collected in a war bond stamp book. The stamps earned no interest, but were used to eventually redeem a Series E War Bond. Once a person collected enough stamps they could purchase a larger war bond of $25, $50, or $100. Employees could also authorize a certain allotment from each paycheck to be saved towards the purchase of a war savings bond. Known as the payroll savings plan, the employer would deliver the bond out of the designated savings from his paycheck.

CONDITION:

Very good condition overall. Color lithographic poster. Color is vibrant with very little fading. Printed in the bottom margins is “U.S. Government Printing Office:1941” at left and “B.E.P. FORM No. 1A” at right.

Framed to conservation standards, with archival mats and a custom wooden frame.

Dimensions: 16″ H x 12 1/4″ W x 1 1/4″ D

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.