"Navy Day October 27th" Vintage WWII Poster, 1941

This original Navy Day propaganda poster from 1941 features a bold modernist design depicting a full fleet of U.S. Navy warships and aircraft navigating a large seascape, set against brilliant yellow and orange skies. Across the bottom appears the text “NAVY DAY,” in gradient red, orange, and white, with the date “October 27th” in striking white lettering. Three lines of white text follow: “In the air, on the surface, and under the sea, the Navy maintains the traditions on which it was founded. It will ever be Our First Line of Defense.” The poster was designed by Matt Murphy. 

The poster was commissioned by the Navy Recruiting Bureau to commemorate Navy Day in  1941. Although the poster was issued just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor and our official declaration of war, the message was clear and deliberate: American naval strength was the guarantor of peace and a force to be reckoned with. 

The first “Navy Day “ was celebrated on October 27, 1922. October 27, 1922 was suggested by the Navy League to recognize Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. Roosevelt had been an Assistant Secretary of the Navy and supported a strong Navy, as well as the idea of Navy Day. In addition, October 27, 1922 was the anniversary of a 1775 report issued by a special committee of the Continental Congress favoring the purchase of merchant ships as the foundation of an American Navy.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Offset color lithograph. Colors are vibrant and bold, with very little fading. Paper is healthy, with full margins. Faint smudge in right side margin. "NRB -301158-28-41-50" printed at bottom center. 

Archivally framed to conservation standards with custom wooden frame, UV glass, and acid-free mats.

Framed Dimensions: 24 3/4" H x 18" W x 1 1/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.