"For Peace and Security Buy War Bonds" Vintage WWII Christmas Poster by Linn Ball, 1945

Presented is a vintage WWII War Bond poster by Linn Ball. Printed in 1945 by the U.S. Government Printing Office, the poster depicts the Three Wise Men guided by the shining Star of Bethlehem. The poster was issued during the holiday season of 1945, just after the war had ended. With the text “For Peace and Security, Buy Bonds”, the poster asks the public to forgo traditional gift giving in lieu of purchasing war bonds, the Victory Loan. 

Defense Bonds first went on the market on May 1, 1941, and they were renamed War Bonds after the US entered the war in December 1941. Bonds were available in denominations of $25 through $1,000, designed to be affordable for every household. Eight War Loan Drives were conducted in the US from 1942 to 1945. Each was meant to raise an additional 9- 15 billion. Towns received quotas, with the aim of promoting competition between towns. Volunteers went door-to-door, pleading for bond sales and rewarding purchasers with stickers to display on their window or door.

The drives were conducted on the following dates: First War Loan Drive: Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, 1942; Second War Loan Drive: Apr. 12 to May 1, 1943; Third War Loan Drive: Sep. 9 to Oct. 1, 1943; Fourth War Loan Drive: Jan. 18 to Feb. 15, 1944; Fifth War Loan Drive: June 12 to July 8, 1944; Sixth War Loan Drive: Nov. 20 to Dec. 16, 1944; Seventh War Loan Drive: May 14 to June 30, 1945; Victory Loan Drive: Oct. 29 to Dec. 8, 1945.

By the end of the war, 85 million Americans (out of a population of 131 million) had purchased $185.7 billion dollars of bonds – over $2,000 per person, at a time when the average income was $2,000 per year. The patriotism and personal sacrifice of the average citizen played a significant part in the Allied war effort.

Linn Ball (1891–1989) was an American painter and illustrator whose long career encompassed portraiture, advertising, magazine illustration, and commercial art. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in Detroit, Ball studied at the Detroit Institute of Fine Arts, the Crouse College of Fine Arts at Syracuse University, and the Art Students’ League in New York, where he completed his formal training. He also studied privately with the noted portraitist Charles N. Flagg. 

Ball initially concentrated on still-life painting before turning to portraiture. He became particularly well known for his work for Reader’s Digest, producing more than 1,000 portraits of prominent figures between the late 1940s and mid-1960s. At the same time, he maintained a successful career as a commercial illustrator, creating artwork for companies such as Jell-O, Wesson Oil, and Bozart Rugs. During the Second World War, he also illustrated posters for the U.S. Treasury, including the poster seen here. Ball was active in New York's artistic community. He served as president of the Artists' Guild and belonged to both the Society of Illustrators and the Salmagundi Club.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Color is  and vibrant, without fading. Official U.S. Treasury poster, printed with "U.S. Government Printing Office: 1495-O-668763" and 'WFD 67-A' in the margin. Paper healthy, save three mailing folds. 

Archivally framed in a custom-built black and gold wooden frame with UV glass and acid-free mats. 

Framed Dimensions: 32 1/4" H x 24 3/4" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.