Iconic 1917 James Montgomery Flagg "Uncle Sam" U. S. Army Propaganda Poster

Sold For:

$11,100

Year:

1917

Auction:

2024 Fall

Lot #:

3388

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Rare World War I Uncle Sam "I Want You" recruitment poster by artist James Montgomery Flagg. This is the most famous poster in United States history, with Flagg's rendition of "Uncle Sam" one of our country's most iconic images. This poster was later reproduced for use during nearly every other war that followed; however, the size and background color for each of the subsequent posters was slightly different than the original. Flagg produced 46 different recruitment posters for the United States Army during World War I, but it was his Uncle Sam poster that had the greatest effect in putting men into uniform. It has been estimated that over 5 million Uncle Sam "I Want You" posters were printed during World I. Despite the sheer number of posters produced at the time, very few have survived. This is just the third example we have ever offered and they are not commonly seen at auction. The poster (30 x 40 inches) is linen-backed, and the normal fold lines are flattened out from the linen-backing process. All of the colors remain bold and bright, and the piece is Excellent in its overall appearance (close examination reveals minor imperfections including some light creasing). Please note: This poster has been stored rolled and will be shipped as such. Opening Bid $2,500.