WWI Posters For Sale

USA Bonds, J. C. Leyendecker

In this poster by American commercial illustrator J.C. Leyendecker marketing USA Bonds during WWI, Liberty and a Boy Scout hold a sword inscribed, "Be prepared." Other text on the poster from 1917 reads: "USA Bonds. Third Liberty Loan Campaign. Boy Scouts of America. Weapons for Liberty."

Uncle Sam I Want You Poster

In one of the most famous and recognizable posters in the world, the Uncle Sam I Want You poster shows Uncle Sam pointing his finger at the viewer and telling them, "I Want You For U.S. Army." The phrase "Nearest Recruiting Station" has a blank space below where an address for enlisting would be added. The "Uncle Sam" figure originally appeared on the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie's Weekly with a title of "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?" Illustrator James Montgomery Flagg contributed a large number of images to support the WWI war effort. Because of the popularity of this image it was also used in WWII for recruiting. Our reproduction is from a lithograph produced c. 1917.

The Fruits of Victory

A woman dressed in stars and stripes poses with vegetables and jars of preserved food in this WWI poster by Leonebel Jacobs, c. 1918. The poster was used as part of a campaign to get citizens to write for a free booklet offered by the National War Garden Commission.

America Calls

This WWI enlistment poster shows Liberty shaking the hand of a sailor: "America calls - enlist in the Navy." Illustrated by J.C. Leyendecker in 1917.

Unpatriotic

A WWI poster from the British National War Savings Committee urges restraint in the use of materials during war time. It's better to spend on war bonds: "To dress extravagantly in war time is worse than bad form, it is unpatriotic." Printed by Roberts & Leete, Ltd., London, 1915.

Teamwork Wins

A World War I poster from 1917 showing men at work in a shipyard: "Teamwork wins. United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation." Illustrated by Hibberd Van Buren Kline.

Join the Air Service

A WWI recruitment poster from 1917 shows the Air Service insignia and a crew tending to a plane: "Join the Air Service. Learn-Earn."

Get Behind the Girl

New York State Land Army Membership Committee from WWI shows a young woman tending a garden, with a drawing of a soldier in the background: "Get behind the girl he left behind him. Join the land army." During WWI the government encouraged women to participate in the Land Army to help keep farm production from declining. Women were transported form their homes to farms to help tend and harvest crops. The original poster is from the American Lithographic Co., c. 1918.

Join the Tanks

A U.S. Army Tank Corps recruiting poster: "An education for you. Join the tanks." Illustrated by J.P. Wharton, 1919.

There's Room For You

A British World War I recruiting poster showing soldiers boarding a train and gesturing to others to join them. Printed for the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in 1915 by Wm. Strain & Sons, Ltd., Belfast, and 104 High Holborn, London, W.C.

These Men Have Come Across

This WWI recruiting poster implores men to join the Navy: "These men have come across. They are at the front now. Join them. Enlist in the Navy. Illustrated c. 1918 by F.X. Leyendecker, the younger brother to the more celebrated J.C. Leyendecker.

Journée Serbe, 25 juin 1916

French artist Pierre Mourgue captures the journey of Serbian military and civilians crossing the River Drina into Albania, now part of Yugoslavia. Lithograph, 1916.

All For "Our Boys"

This World War I poster shows "our boys" enjoying coffee, pie and doughnuts. It is a promotion for a fund-raiser for the United War-Work Campaign, which was a union of several charity groups raising money for the war effort. "All for 'our boys.' Your limit is not too much. United War-Work Campaign." Poster, c. 1917.

Are You Fond of Horses?

A WWI recruitment poster for the Army Veterinary Corps: "Are you fond of horses. U.S. Army. The Veterinary Corps instructs you in their care and treatment, riding and driving. Also meat and dairy inspection. Enlist today. See Army recruiting officer." Illustrated by Horst Schreck, 1919.

Collect Stinging Nettles

This WWI poster from 1918 Germany encourages self initiative in garment procurement: "Collect stinging nettles if you want clothing and thread. Information available from the Bayerische Nesselstelle, Munich."

New York Spring Horse Show

This poster from 1919 is advertising the New York Spring Horse Show at Durland's Academy. The woman is carrying a stretcher. The show was a benefit for the Motor-Corps of America and was illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy in 1918.

Paris Day

A 1915 French WWI poster soliciting for a Paris Day war charities fund raiser: "Paris Day. July 14, 1915. On behalf of the Hôtel de Ville's [Paris city hall] war charities. For the soldiers . . ." The illustration is signed G. Picard.

In the Name of Mercy

A Red Cross nurse holding a wounded soldier in this poster soliciting funds during WWI: "In the name of mercy give." The poster was illustrated by Albert Herter in 1917.

Patriotic League

Artist Howard Chandler Christy illustrated this WWI poster for the Patriotic League, showing a young woman with a U.S. flag, 1918. The Patriotic League organized young women for wartime activities, including social service work.

Forward America

Artist Carroll Kelly illustrated this 1917 WWI poster showing Columbia leading a squadron of airplanes while sitting upon an eagle while brandishing an American flag and shield: "Forward America!"

Gee!! I Wish I Were a Man

A WWI recruiting poster from 1917 by artist Howard Chandler Christy showing a young woman in a Navy uniform: "Gee!! I wish I were a man, I'd join the Navy. Be a man and do it. United States Navy recruiting station."

Verdun, road to Y.M.C.A. canteen

This poster shows a canteen entrance with soldiers below an arch amongst a street strewn with rubble. Published in 1917. "Verdun, road to Y.M.C.A. canteen. A.K.S. Sketched on spot by Y.M.C.A. secy. Coquemer imp. Paris."

Be ready! Join now

This British WWI recruiting poster was printed by David Allen & Sons Ld. Harrow, Middlesex, in 1915. The poster was commissioned by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in London. The image is a silhouette of a British soldier carrying a rifle with a bayonet.

The Seeds of Victory

This WWI Poster for the National War Garden Commission advertises a free book on maintaining a home garden: "The seeds of victory insure the fruits of peace." The poser was illustrated by Maginel Wright Barney, c. 1919.

War Films

World War I poster: "Official United States war films now being shown." Hegeman Print, N.Y., c. 1917.

Red Cross Recruiting Poster

This Red Cross recruitment poster from WWI shows a Red Cross nurse seated at a desk, with her left arm raised: "The Red Cross serves humanity. Join now." Illustrated by C.W. Anderson between 1914 and 1918.

Food Will Win the War

"Food will win the war. You came here seeking freedom, now you must help to preserve it. Wheat is needed for the allies. Waste nothing." This World War I poster from the United States Food Administration shows immigrants arriving in New York harbor, with the Statue of Liberty beneath a rainbow. Illustrated by Charles Edward Chambers, c. 1917.

Food Will Win the War, Yiddish version

A WWI fundraising poster in Yiddish, translated: "Food will win the war. You came here seeking freedom, now you must help to preserve it. Wheat is needed for the allies. Waste nothing." This World War I poster from the United States Food Administration was illustrated by Charles Edward Chambers, c. 1917.

Eat Less, and Let Us Be Thankful

This World War I poster with a bounty of fall fruits and vegetables promotes frugal dining habits on the home front: "Eat less, and let us be thankful that we have enough to share with those who fight for freedom." Illustrated by A. Hendee, c. 1918, and published by Edwards & Deutsch Lithograph Company of Chicago for the United States Food Administration.

Uncle Sam Says Garden to Cut Food Costs

A man and woman tend to a garden while Uncle Sam supervises and encourages others to pitch in to lower WWI food costs: "Uncle Sam says - garden to cut food costs. Ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., for a free bulletin on gardening - it's food for thought."

Give the World the Once Over In the United States Navy

The Press Navy Recruiting Bureau in N.Y. offers the glamorous vision of sailors taking snapshots while touring India on an elephant's back. This WWI U.S. Navy recruiting poster promises sailors the globe: "Give the world the once over in the United States Navy. Apply at Navy Recruiting Station." Illustrated by artist James H. Daugherty, 1919.

Single Men! Last Days For Voluntary Enlistment

Published by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in London in 1915 this poster encourages young men to enlist for WWI service before the draft begins.

Corn - the Food of the Nation

This WWI Poster was created by the United States Food Administration during WWI to promote the domestic consumption of corn over more valuable items such as beef: "Corn - the food of the nation. Serve some way every meal. Appetizing. Nourishing. Economical." Illustrated by artist Lloyd Harrison, c. 1918.

Your Work Means Victory

This WWI poster shows men setting the rigging on the smokestack of a ship: "Your work means victory. Build another one. United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation." The motivational poster was issued by the publications section of the Emergency Fleet Corporation in Philadelphia, Pa.

Hip-hip! Another Ship

A WWI poster for the Emeregency Fleet Corporation showing a shipyard worker cheering the completion of another ship for the war effort: "Hip-hip! Another Ship - Another Victory. United States Shipping Board. Emergency Fleet Corporation." Illustrated by G. Wright.

Are You Breaking the Law?

This Canadian Food Board poster from WWI discourages the hoarding of food and points out that fines and/or jail time are possible punishments. "Are you breaking the law? Patriotic Canadians will not hoard food."

Buy Fresh Fish

A World War I Canada Food Board poster encouraging shoppers to change their habits so that fresh meat can be shipped to soldiers: "Buy fresh fish. Save the meat for our soldiers and allies." Illustrated by E. Henderson, c. 1914.

Well Fed Soldiers Will Win the War

A World War I Canada Food Board poster encouraging citizens to save food for the good of their soldiers: "We are saving you, you save food. Well fed soliders will win the war." Illustrated by E. Henderson, c. 1914.

They Shall Not Perish

A young girl, symbolizing the Near East, clings to the legs of a woman holding a sword and U.S. flag, symbolizing America: "They shall not perish. Campaign for $30,000,000. American Committee for Relief in the Near East. Armenia - Greece - Syria - Persia." The relief organization was created during WWI to help people suffering under Ottoman rule. Produced by American Lithographic Co. of New York, 1918.

Lest Liberty Perish

This design drawing for WWI bond-drive poster poster has hand written text at the bottom that reads: "Lest Liberty perish from the face of the Earth. Buy Bonds." The drawing shows the Statue of Liberty of ruins with Liberty's head lying on a pile of rubble of to the right. New York City is in flames in the background. Done in watercolor and crayon by Joseph Pennell, 1918.

The Public Health Nurse

A WWI American Red Cross membership drive poster showing a public health nurse on horseback. "The Public Health Nurse. She Answers Humanity's Call. Your Red Cross Membership makes her work possible." Illustrated by Gordon Grant, c. 1914.

Hero Land!

This poster was created for a WWi fundraiser for dependents of soldiers and for Allied war relief. It shows Marianne, a national symbol of France, wearing a Phrygian cap: "Hero Land! Grand Central Palace, Nov. 24 - Dec. 12. Admission 50 cents. The Greatest Spectacle the World has ever seen for the Greatest Need the world has ever seen." Illustrated by A. Rapeno, c. 1917.

Remember Belgium

A poster for WWI Liberty Bonds shows a German soldier leading a young girl by the hand: "Remember Belgium. Buy Bonds; Fourth Liberty Loan." Illustrated by Ellsworth Young, c. 1918.

Polish Army in France

A WWI poster by artist Wladyslaw T. Benda showing a Polish soldier and the Polish flag: "Polish Army in France." The poster also leaves room for listing the location of a recruiting center, c.1917.

We Must Have More Men

This British recruiting poster shows a soldier with a rifle in front of the British flag, c. 1915. "Rally round the flag. We must have more men."

Belgian Red Cross

A British WWI Poster to help raise funds for the Belgian Red Cross. Illustrated by Charles Buchel and printed by Johnson, Riddle & Co., Ltd., London, S.E., c. 1915. The poster shows a Red Cross nurse, with angel wings, tending to a wounded soldier, against the backdrop of a Belgian flag.

Back Our Girls Over There

In this WWI poster for the United War Work Campaign a young woman sits at a switchboard with soldiers in the background. The poster was illustrated by Clarence F. Underwood, published in 1918 and reads: "Back our girls over there. Y.W.C.A. United War Work Campaign."

The U.S. Marines Want You

Illustrated by Charles Buckles Falls, this WWI recruiting poster shows a Marine beckoning: "The U.S. Marines Want You." A space is left below the words "Reply At" where an address for recruiting locations can be added. Published circa 1917.

Be a U.S. Marine

Illustrated by famed artist James Montgomery Flagg, this post-WWI Poster was used by the U.S. Marines for recruitment: "First in the fight. Always faithful. Be a U.S. Marine!" Flagg is most well know for illustrating the famous Uncle Sam "I Want You!" poster. Published circa 1922.

Christmas Roll Call

This American Red Cross campaign poster from 1918 shows a snow covered house and trees with the message, "Answer the Red Cross Christmas Roll Call. All you need is a heart and a dollar." Illustrated by Ray Greenleaf.

Follow the Pied Piper

This WWI promotional poster shows Uncle Sam playing a fife and leading a group of children carrying gardening tools. It reads: "Follow the Pied Piper. Join the United States School Garden Army." Illustrated by Maginel Wright Barney and published circa 1919.

Daddy, What Did You Do in the Great War?

This British WWI promotional poster from the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee shows a pensive man with his daughter on his lap and a boy playing with toy soldiers at his feet. The poster asks: "Daddy, what did you do in the great war?" The poster was designed and printed by Johnson, Riddle & Co., Ltd., London, S.E., c. 1915.

Enlist in the Air Service

This WWI U.S. Army Air Service recruiting poster shows a service man cranking on airplane propeller. "For Action Enlist in the Air Service." Illustrated by Otho Cushing, c. 1917.

Banque Privée

The post-WWI French poster reads, "Banque Privée. Souscrivez á l'Emprunt de la Reconstitution," which is translated as, "Banque Privée. Subscribe to the reconstruction loan." Illustrated in 1920 by A. Lelong, the poster shows Victory standing in a wheat field, with her arm around a boy carrying a basket of fruit. A ruined village is shown behind them.

Save Wine For Our Soldiers

This French poster reads, "Réservez le vin pour nos poilus." It is translated as, "Save wine for our soldiers." Created in Paris during WWI by the Comité National de Prévoyance et d'économies, 1916.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Sure! We Will Finish the Job

This WWI Liberty Loan Poster shows a man in hat and overalls reaching into his pocket. He is wearing buttons from previous Liberty Loan campaigns. The poster reads: "Sure! We'll Finish the Job. Victory Liberty Loan." Illustrated by Gerrit A. Beneker, 1918.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Step Into Your Place

This WWI British recruitment poster shows a column of soldiers marching into the distance, while being joined by men in civilian attire. The poster reads "Step Into Your Place" and was issued by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee in 1915.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Helping Hoover

This World War I public service poster shows two bare-foot children standing in a garden with a wheelbarrow full of vegetables: "Helping Hoover In Our U.S. School Garden." The poster was issued by the U.S. School Garden Army, Bureau of Education, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. in 1919.

True Sons of Freedom

This poster shows Abraham Lincoln looking down upon African American soldiers fighting German soldiers during World War I: "True Sons of Freedom. Colored Men: The First Americans Who Planted Our Flag on the Firing Line. 'Liberty and Freedom Shall Not Perish.' A. Lincoln." An inscription on the poster reads: "1918 by Chas. Gustrine. Chicago, Ill." This poster was used to encourage African-American participation in WWI.

Girls Rain on Uncle Sam

Image detail.This 1918 WWI poster by popular contemporary artist Nell Brinkley shows a shower of beautiful girls raining down around Uncle Sam to offer their services to work in Washington. On the right side Brinkley has illustrated the problems female war workers faced in the city: One sleeps in a chair, one sleeps on a lamp post and one reads a sign that says: "Apartments, No Dogs, Children or Girls." Brinkley's popular drawings featured cute girls with masses of curly hair. She was one of the most widely published illustrators at the turn of the century and she frequently focused on the problems confronting working women.

Come Into the Garden Dad!

From the Canada Food Board we get this WWI-era poster encouraging citizens to grow their own vegetables: "Come Into the Garden Dad! Make This Summer's Garden Provide New Winter's Vegetables. Grow Potatoes, Beans Peas, Onions." Illustrated by Joseph Ernest Sampson, c. 1914.

Training French Youth for Military Service

This French WWI poster shows a young man carrying a French flag while soldiers march in the background. The title reads, "Préparation de la jeunesse française au service militaire," which is translated as, "Training French youth for military service." Signed William Malherbe, 1918.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Join the United States School Garden Army

This WWI poster shows a girl with a plow and encourages youth to particpate in the creation of "war gardens" to take the pressure off of the public food supply brought on by the war effort. The poster reads, "Join the United States School Garden Army. Enlist Now. Write to The United States School Garden Army, Bureau of Education, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C." The poster was illustrated by artist Edward Penfield and publisyed by the New York's American Lithographic Co. in 1918.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

The Salvation Army Lassie

This WWI Salvation Army fund raising poster shows a young woman, presumably working with the Salvation Army, carrying a tray of doughnuts. A soldier in the foreground eats a doughnut and gestures toward her with the poster text reading, "Oh, boy! That's the girl! The Salvation Army Lassie. Keep Her On the Job. United War Work Campaign." Published in 1918.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Marines in Dress Uniform

This illustration by artist J.C. Leyendecker in 1917 shows two Marines in dress uniform. The image was used on WWI recruiting and enlistment posters.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Food for France

This WWI fund raising poster shows a girl feeding a wounded soldier and reads, "Food for France." The poster was produced in 1918 by New York's W.F. Powers Co.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

U.S. Marines

This WWI poster reads simply, "U.S. Marines" and shows two Marines signaling a ship at sea. The poster was illustrated by J.C. Leyendecker in 1917. The image was used on WWI recruiting posters.

Free harbor jubilee, Los Angeles and San Pedro. April 26 and 27 1899

Eat Less

This WWI poster shows a bounty of fruits and vegetables and emplores people to "Eat less, and let us be thankful that we have enough to share with those who fight for freedom." Illustrated by A. Hendee and published by Edwards & Deutsch Litho. Co. Chicago, 1918.

Join the Football Battalion

This WWI recruitment poster from 1915 shows soldiers firing from a trench, and a vignette of players on a soccer pitch. It reads: "Young men of Britain! The Germans said you were not in earnest. Extract from Frankfurter Zeitung: 'The young Britons prefer to exercise their long limbs on the football ground, rather than to expose them to any sort of risk in the service of their country.' 'We knew you'd come - and give them the lie!' Play the greater game and join the football battalion."

Hello! This is Liberty Speaking

The Statue of Liberty is calling in this WWI war bonds poster from 1918: "Hello! This is Liberty Speaking. Billions of dollars are needed and needed NOW." Illustrated by Z. P. Nikolaki.

Liberty Loan 1918 Spring Drive

A young woman holding up WWI Liberty Loan bonds beckons in this 1918 fund drive poster: "Liberty Loan 1918 Spring Drive."

My Soldier

This WWI Liberty Loan poster has a child's prayer below a scene of a mother and a praying child, 1917. "My Soldier. Buy United States Government Bonds. Third Liberty Loan. Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. God bless my brother gone to war across the seas in France so far. Oh, may his fight for Liberty, save millions more than little me from cruel fates or ruthless blast, and bring him safely home at last."

Uncle Sam is Telling You

This WWI War Savings Stamps poster shows a half-length portrait of Uncle Sam commanding: "I am telling you. On June 28th I expect you to enlist in the army of war savers to back up my army of fighters. W.S.S. Enlistment." Illustrated by James Montgomery Flagg, 1918.

Remember the Flag of Liberty

This WWI War Bonds poster from 1917 shows immigrants standing before an American flag: "Remember! The flag of liberty. Support it! Buy U.S. government bonds. 3rd Liberty Loan. Heywood Strasser & Voigt Litho. Co., N.Y."

The Final Push for Victory

This WWI poster from Great Britian in 1915 shows Allied soldiers on the left and German soldiers on the right struggling to push a huge red "Victory" ball over a peak: "Put your back into it and help to give the final push. Sign the enlistment form."

U.S. Marines Active Service

This WWI recruitment poster shows a U.S. Marine with a rifle patrolling docks. Circa 1914-1918.

Third Liberty Loan

"My daddy bought me a government bond of the Third Liberty Loan -- Did yours?" The United States Printing & Lithograph Co., New York, c. 1917.

Souscrivez!

"Subscribe! And we will be victorious. National Loan 1918." French War Bonds. Paris, circa 1918.

U.S. Marines First to Fight for Democracy

A WWI U.S. Marines recruitment poster showing marines firing artillery from a ship. Illustrated by L.A. Shafer, 1917.

Rally Round the Flag

Rally Round the Flag. Ever Fit Man Wanted. A WWI Great Britain recruitment poster from the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. London, 1914.

On the Job for Victory

On the Job for Victory. United States Shipping Board. Printed by Alpha Litho. Co. Inc., N.Y., 1917.

Memorial Day 1917

WWI-era poster showing veterans in a Memorial Day parade: Honor the Brave -- Memorial Day, May 30, 1917. In Memory of American Soldiers of the Wars of 1775-1783, 1812-1814, 1846-1847, 1861-1865, 1898.

Keep Em Going

WWI-era poster showing a German soldier fleeing from an oncoming locomotive. "Every bad order locomotive is a Prussian soldier. Every live locomotive is an American soldier. Let us get on top of the Prussian locomotives and make American soldiers out of them." William Gibbs McAdoo, 1917.

Red Cross Canine

Red Cross membership drive, 1917. Illustrated by Richard Fayerweather Babcock.

The Ships are Coming

United States Shipping Board. Emergency Fleet Corporation. WWI illustration by James H. Daugherty, 1917.

Be a Sea Soldier

U.S. Marine WWI recruitment poster. Illustrated by Clarence F. Underwood, 1917.

The Comforter

An American Red Cross poster showing a Red Cross nurse holding an infant and comforting a woman amid the destruction of war. Gordon Grant, c. 1918.

Sowing the Seeds of Victory

Liberty Sowing the Seeds of Victory. National War Garden Commission. WWI, circa 1917.

A Wonderful Opportunity

A Wonderful Opportunity for You. United States Navy. WWI recruiting. Charles E. Ruttan, circa 1917.

All Aboard! Liberty Bond

From WWI, "All aboard! Liberty Bond Fourth Issue." Circa 1918.