"Now Let's All Buy Defense Bonds" Vintage Poster by Gary Orr, 1950

Presented is a 1950 vintage Defense Bonds poster, illustrated by Gary Orr. The horizontal poster depicts a billowing 48-star American flag, in front of an orange and blue sky. The text reads “Now Lets All Buy Defense Bonds” in blue, white, and yellow block and script letters. The poster was issued by the Treasury Department at the beginning of the Korean War. 

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. So 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. 

The War Savings Bonds and Stamps were incredibly successful. By July 1945, the government had conducted seven war-bond drives, which had raised a total of almost sixty-one billion dollars. Yet after World War II was over, the U.S. Government still had debt from the earlier conflict. The Treasury used commercials, television advertising, and printed posters like this one to sustain post-war bond sales and promote further citizen funding of the Korean War. 

CONDITION: 

Very good condition overall. Printed color is bright and vibrant, without fading. Paper is healthy, with faint fold lines from past storage. The poster is archivally linen backed. 

Poster has been artfully framed in a custom black wooden frame with UV glass.

Framed Dimensions: 21 5/8"H x 29"W x 1"D

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.