WWI/WWII Poster…

Probably the ‘iconic’ Navy recruiting poster, this one actually saw use in both WWI and WWII.

Christie WWI recruiting poster official Navy Photo

It was done by Howard Chandler Christie, who had created the ‘Christie Girl’

Christy first attracted attention with his realistic illustrations and several articles as a combat artist during the Spanish-American War that included the Battle of Las Guasimas, the Battle of El Caney and the Battle of San Juan Hill, published in Scribner’s and Harper’s magazines and in Collier’s Weekly, gaining especial prominence with the series, “Men of the Army and Navy,” and a portrait of Colonel Roosevelt that appeared on the cover of his Rough Riders series published in Scribner’s. These illustrations propelled Cristy to national prominence. He also would paint patriotic posters for the US Navy and US Marine Corps.  His Wiki is HERE.

Here’ the Marine Corps version-

Christie WWI Marine Recruiting poster

And the original model Mrs. E. Leroy Finch accepting a plaque from Captain Robert L. Latta, senior Navy recruiter in New York City, during a ceremony at the home of her daughter, 30 January 1977. The plaque recognizes her long-time assistance to the Navy’s recruiting efforts.

Christie WWI modelI can’t promise I’ll get this much history on all of them but I ‘will’ try…  Hope you enjoyed it!

Comments

WWI/WWII Poster… — 12 Comments

  1. Thanks! I like these old posters, but I can say that seeing one with a woman posted did not entice me in the least to join the Navy. And I NEVER looked like any of the men when I was in uniform, either. It was a ploy,I tell ya. A ploy!!!

  2. I have that first poster as a tinplate sign on the wall of my workshop…

  3. CP- Well, there was that… 🙂

    WSF- That it does!!!

    Robert- I remember seeing one or two myself!

    Rick- You’re welcome!

    Ed- Thanks those are nice!

    ORT- Heh, not a bad idea! 🙂

  4. I like both…but of course the Navy one is sexier. Lol.

  5. That dress blue jumper even has a right arm rate too.
    I may be a old fart, but those were even before my time.

  6. I was up at the air museum in Oshkosh last fall and picked up a set of playing cards in their gift shop that had all of those posters on them, including that top one. We play cribbage a lot so it’s always fun to look at them. Thanks for sharing.