"Till We Meet Again. Buy War Bonds" WWII Poster by Joseph Hirsch, Circa 1942

Presented is an original WWII poster from 1942, promoting the purchase of War Bonds. The poster depicts a smiling soldier in khaki uniform and cap, as he waves from a ship’s porthole. The text “Till We Meet Again” is scrawled in white letters at top. At the bottom of the poster is the text, “Buy War Bonds” in large, yellow block letters. The poster was illustrated by Joseph Hirsch and published by The U.S. Government Printing Office. 

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 for the war fund. 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.

Born in Philadelphia, Joseph Hirsch (1910-1981) began his study of art at the Philadelphia Museum when he was seventeen. He participated in the Works Project Administration in the easel painting division, with occasional work on murals. During World War II, Hirsch took part in the war effort as an artist war correspondent, recording significant battles and events. Hirsch  taught at the Chicago Institute of Art after the war’s conclusion.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Paper is healthy, save faint fold lines, a small tear at upper right corner, and small chip in the upper left corner. The color is bright, without fading. Poster size: 22” H x 14” W. 

Poster is archival framed with acid-free mats, UV glass, and a custom-built black wooden frame. 

Framed Dimensions: 26 1/4" H x 17 3/4" W x 1 1/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.