1918 The Tidal Wave 95 Ships Launched July 4 Coll WWI Emergency Fleet Corp

Date: 1918
Artist: Coll, Joseph Clement 
Size (in): 30.5” x 20.5”
Size (cm): 77.5 x 52  
Condition: B+
Linen backed: Yes 

This vintage original poster was created by the artist Jospeh Clement Coll and issued by the United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation in 1918.   For this poster Coll renders a dramatic image of a screeching eagle leading a fleet of American merchant ships crashing forward through an angry sea easterly towards the war fronts of Europe with an orange sky above filled with a spectral force of charging cavalry, heavy artillery pieces and fighter airplanes.  The image suggests an overwhelming military force under the title THE TIDAL WAVE.  Additional text at the bottom reads July 4, 1918 95 Ships Launched Untied States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation.   

The Emergency Fleet Corporation was established by the United States Shipping Board in April 1917 to acquire, maintain, and operate merchant ships in the interest of national defense during World War I.  By July 4 of the following year the output had reach 95 ships launched in a single day which served as the inspiration for this poster.   Coll’s name appears signed in print in the lower right corner of the image and just below the image on the left side the printer is shown as Thomsen-Ellis Co. of Baltimore and New York.  

This antique original poster has been professionally linen backed with some expert touch up as needed including repair to a couple short tears without paper loss on the lower right edge.  Two small spots on the upper left corner and a crease on the right edge have been mitigated during the linen backing process.  This poster retains strong color and makes a striking impression.  Overall condition is very good.