Militaria
WWII Canadian Victory Bonds Poster 1940s On the Sea Sinking Ship Maritime Propaganda
$362.58
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DetailsFOR SALE ☞
Canadian Second World War Victory Bonds propaganda poster, circa 1940s, titled "On the Sea — Remember the Boys Who Deliver the Goods," featuring a dramatic maritime illustration of a sinking merchant ship.
DESCRIPTION ☞
A Canadian Second World War Victory Bonds poster commemorating the vital contribution and sacrifices of merchant seamen during the war, circa 1939–1945.
Titled "On the Sea," this striking wartime poster depicts a merchant vessel sinking beneath towering clouds of smoke, with lifeboats carrying survivors across the water and a submarine periscope emerging in the foreground. Printed in bold red and navy blue against a cream-coloured paper background, the composition combines dramatic maritime imagery with a direct appeal to the Canadian public:
"Remember the Boys Who Deliver the Goods — Give Them Protection — Buy Victory Bonds."
During the Second World War, Canada's merchant mariners transported essential food, fuel, equipment, and military supplies across the Atlantic, frequently under threat from enemy submarines. Victory Bonds allowed Canadians on the home front to lend money to the government in support of the war effort.
The illustration bears the artist's initials "R.S.S." near the lower-left portion of the maritime scene.
An example of this exact poster design is documented in the McMaster University Libraries Second World War Poster Collection, catalogue reference C30. The university identifies the country of origin as Canada, dates the design to the Second World War, and records the artist's initials as R.S.S.
A compelling surviving example of Canadian wartime graphic design, combining maritime history, merchant naval service, and the public fundraising campaigns that helped finance Canada's contribution to the Allied war effort.
Of particular interest to collectors of Canadian military history, wartime posters, maritime memorabilia, historical advertising, and Second World War ephemera.
DIMENSIONS ☞
Approximately 24 inches high × 20 inches wide (61 × 51 cm).
Unframed. Currently housed in a clear protective plastic covering.
CONDITION ☞
Vintage condition with visible wear consistent with age, handling, and long-term storage.
The poster exhibits overall age-related yellowing, scattered foxing and discolouration, surface wrinkles, creasing, and areas of staining. There are several small edge tears, worn corners, and areas of paper loss, particularly at the lower-left corner.
A more noticeable tear is present along the right-hand margin beside the red lettering, accompanied by surrounding creases and paper stress. Additional wear and small abrasions are visible along the upper edge and corners. The reverse is unprinted and displays age-related toning and discolouration.
Despite these imperfections, the central illustration remains well defined, the red and navy printing retains good colour, and all principal lettering remains legible.
The poster is currently protected within a clear plastic covering. Given the age and delicate nature of the paper, careful handling and archival-quality framing are recommended for long-term preservation.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. -
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Shipping from Canada
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