"Buying A Bond Is No Sacrifice" Vintage WWII 4th War Loan Treasury Poster, 1943

​​This is an original World War II poster, dating to 1943. The poster reads "Buying A Bond Is No Sacrifice" in pink letters. The poster's composition features a worried mother and young son, sitting at a dark table reacting to a “Missing in Action” letter. The 4th War Loan Shield is illustrated prominently at center right. The poster was distributed by the Office of War Information, for the US Treasury, in Washington D.C.

To guard against war complacency among the American public, the U.S. Government promoted messages that reminded civilian America of the suffering and sacrifices that were being made by its Armed Forces overseas. By emphasizing the hardships of war and the death toll, the government put lesser civilian sacrifices like rationing wheat and dairy, buying savings stamps and war loans, and taking on new jobs into perspective. 

The war ushered in the biggest advertising campaign to date, critical to the wartime communication needs of every combatant: from raising money, recruiting soldiers and boosting volunteer efforts, to spurring production and provoking outrage at enemy atrocities. One of the most common themes found in the posters was the purchase of War Bonds and Victory Bonds.

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. 

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. Eight War Loan Drives were conducted in the US from 1942 to 1945. Each was meant to raise an additional $9-$15 billion in sales. Towns received quotas, with the aim of promoting competition between towns. Volunteers went door-to-door, pleading for 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.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Color lithograph. No fading to printed color. Paper is healthy, with only a minimal crease at centerfold. Healthy margins. The text "U.S. Government Printing Office: 1943-O-563538" is printed in the bottom left margin, "Distributed by OWI For the Treasury Department" at bottom center, and "WFD 883" at bottom right margin. Sold unframed, as-is. Unframed Dimensions: 20" H x 14 1/4" W.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.