Uncle Sam and Patriotic Posters Are Back

Americans have embraced the Patriotic Posters of World Wars I and II for their homes and offices. As they seek new ways to personalize their patriotic feelings, many are turning to the Icons of the past such as Uncle Sam and Rosie The Riveter. Authentic Vintage Posters that relate to patriotic themes are very much back in demand. This release describes the wonderful variety of authentic Vintage Posters and provides non-commercial advice on shopping for them, and avoiding the inexpensive knock-offs. The non-profit International Vintage Poster Dealers (IVPDA) will send a free illustrated brochure about these works of art to readers who send a stamped self-addressed envelope to their post office box.

FROM: Agins Communications

Posters and Patriotism:
Uncle Sam Moves Back Into 21st Century Homes and Offices

New York--- Patriotism is popular again. American flags and Old Glory pins abound in response to the events of September 11. But nothing better captures the renewed spirit of the American people than the colorful posters of World Wars I and II. A new generation is discovering and buying classic posters that cry out "Enlist" and "I Want You for the U.S. Army"; posters that caution "Loose Lips May Sink Ships"; and images of homespun champions of freedom such as Rosie the Riveter. Many of these original posters are now offered for sale by the 60-plus members of the non-profit International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (IVPDA).

"Posters were an early form of mass communication, and there is nothing subtle about the message they carry. Since World War I, posters have been used to spread ideas, promote causes, urge conservation of resources, sway public opinion and unite people," says Sarah Stocking, president of IVPDA, whose members follow strict guidelines to ensure the authenticity of the posters they sell. IVPDA also educates the collecting public about the hallmarks of authentic posters. Authentic vintage Patriotic posters can range in price from around $100 to thousands of dollars for examples in near-perfect condition.

Patriotic posters can be generally classified according to their message. Some of the most important categories are:

Wartime Recruitment:
The iconic 1917 poster of Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer and demanding I WANT YOU FOR THE US ARMY was actually a self-portrait of the artist James Montgomery Flagg. A good example of this poster might sell for approximately $4,500, but other enlistment posters may be purchased for under $100. Every branch of the military had posters designed to attract its own crop of enlisted men. Themes include: "IF YOU WANT TO FIGHT, JOIN THE MARINES"; "GEE, I WISH I WERE A MAN, I'D JOIN THE NAVY"; and "TREAT'EM ROUGH! JOIN THE TANKS!"
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War Bond Sales:
Posters demanded, cajoled and pleaded for Americans to invest in their country. Among the more memorable, particularly in light of the September 11th attack, is an image of a badly damaged Statue of Liberty facing a New York harbor filled with flame and smoke. The copy reads: "THAT LIBERTY SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH, BUY LIBERTY BONDS." This image, originally printed in great numbers might sell today for approximately $350 while other Bond posters appear on the market at prices starting under $200.
Conservation and Production:
Among the most powerful of these was created by Jean Carlu, a French artist working in the United States. That depicts a massive hand in a work glove holding a massive wrench which is turning a massive bolt. The copy reads: AMERICAS ANSWER: PRODUCTION. This image may sell for $1,500 to $2,000. Other conservation and production posters with themes as diverse as SAVE COOKING FAT FOR EXPLOSIVES, and THE SEEDS OF VICTORY INSURE THE FRUITS OF PEACE are available for under $100. Multiple languages including Yiddish, English, French and Italian were used on some, including FOOD WILL WIN THE WAR.
IVPDA members also sell patriotic posters from the Korean and Viet Nam Wars as well as pieces from the Civil Rights campaigns of the mid-to-late 20th century. Military and propaganda posters from Russia and Poland are also sought after for their historic and artistic value.

But whatever their theme or era, posters provide a source of affordable, colorful art that is both decorative and patriotic, to the delight of many collectors. To view thousands of images of authentic vintage posters sold by IVPDA members throughout North America, and Europe, visit the Association's website, www.ivpda.com. Browsers may request a free copy of the association's illustrated educational brochure featuring tips on buying vintage posters. Or, send a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope to IVPDA, Box 501, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10011-0501, USA.
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Sidebar:
How to Be An Informed Poster Buyer

Thousands of vintage posters, prized as much for their artistic merit as for their historic and current relevance, have been produced for almost a century around the world. As a result there are topics and artistic styles to suit every taste and budget. If you are considering purchasing a true vintage poster for home or office, here are a few guidelines.

1) Know what you like and buy the art you love. Buy with an eye on personal taste, not necessarily on investment value, but know that this art may increase in value with age.

2) Know your source. Poster dealers displaying IVDA membership identification have
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met stringent membership requirements, which require adherence to strict guidelines that assure the authenticity of the posters sold.
3) Know that vintage posters were created as advertising items that were meant to be discarded after they lost their timeliness. Therefore, posters were printed on inexpensive paper. So beware: a poster printed on heavy stock or good quality paper may be suspect.

4) Know your space. Vintage posters come in all shapes and sizes. A common French poster standard is 63 in. x 47 in. (160cm x 120cm), while a common size for an American poster is 41 in. x 27 in. (104cm x 69cm).

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Editors: Slides are available to illustrate any story you propose. IVPDA will provide you with vintage poster experts for localized comment, throughout the North America and Europe.