"Fly with the Marines" Vintage WWII Poster, 1942

This is an original World War II Marines recruitment poster from 1942. The poster, a color lithograph, was printed by the Alpha Litho. Co., out of Camden, NJ. 

In the center of the composition appears a striking blue eagle, which tears apart a Japanese plane with its talons. The poster displays the slogan "Wear the FIGHTINEST wings in the service, Fly with the Marines" in bold letters above and below the image. On the bottom in black lettering is the phrase: "Apply, or write, to nearest recruiting station." The Marines logo appears in yellow in the top right hand corner of the composition, set against a red background.

The Second World War ushered in the biggest government-led advertising campaign to date, critical to the wartime communication needs of every combatant: from raising money, recruiting soldiers and boosting volunteer efforts, to spurring production and provoking outrage at enemy atrocities. The Office of War Information (OWI) commissioned some of the nation’s leading artists to produce the stark, colorful graphic designs. The posters played to the fears, frustrations, and faith in freedoms that lingered in people's minds during the war.

The most common themes found in the posters were the consequences of careless talk, supporting the war effort at home through conservation, victory gardens, and the purchasing of War Bonds, and anti-German and Japanese propaganda. The posters reminded the American populace that victory over the Axis was not a given, and certainly would not be achieved without the whole-hearted support of all men, women, and children.

CONDITION:

Poster is in excellent condition. Poster is linen-backed. Color has no evidence of fading and is exceptionally vibrant. Printed at bottom bottom left  "NOm-36667 6-30-42 15M  436 PM  Alpha Litho. Co, Camden NJ". Poster Dimensions: 40”H x 28” W. 

The poster has been framed according to the highest conservation and archival standards. It is presented in a custom-built black wooden frame with acid-free mat backing and UV Plexiglas. Framed Dimensions: 44 1/8" H x 32 1/2" W x 1 1/4" W.