Framed War Bond Posters

Framed vintage war bond posters were used as a way to sell government-issued debt securities to the public, in order to help fighting countries finance World War I and World War II. War bonds, in particular, were either sold directly to consumers through the retail market or were wholesale and thus traded on the stock market instead.

Governments encouraged citizens to buy war bonds by appealing to their consciences and the need for patriotism, as seen in many framed vintage war bond artwork. One popular advertisement, “Fight or Buy Bonds,” is a perfect example of this. A woman, who looks similar to the Statue of Liberty, holds an American flag in each hand; the flag in her right hand is thrust high into the air. The words “Fight or Buy Bonds – Third Liberty Loan” appear beside her, as if telling viewers at the time that if they aren’t fighting in the war, they should at least participate by buying bonds.