1941 Arise Americans Your Country and Liberty Are in Grave Danger WWII Navy Barclay

Date: 1941
Artist: Barclay, McClelland
Size (in): 42” x 28”
Size (cm): 106.7 x 71.1
Condition: B+
Linen backed: No

This vintage original poster was created by the prolific American illustrator McClelland Barclay and issued in 1941, a few months before the United States entered WWII, to help promote recruiting for the United States Navy and the United States Naval Reserve. Barclay renders an image of a strapping US Navy sailor operating a naval deck gun over text that reads:

“ARISE AMERICANS” Your Country and Your Liberty are in grave danger..Protect them now by joining the – UNITED STATES NAVY or the U.S. NAVAL RESERVE 

The lower margin is printed “6-18-41” indicating the poster was issued in 1941 as war was already raging in Europe but before the United States had entered the conflict in December of that year.   Barclay’s design appeals to the patriotism of prospective recruits and warns of the danger to the American way of life from the growing conflagration.  McClelland Barclay’s signature appears in print in the image. 

This vintage original poster has no tape of pinholes and is apparently unused showing light handling wear and a small circular hole in the right margin near the lower corner not affecting the image area.  The edges are lightly bumped in places. The poster retains strong color and is in very good condition overall.  This poster displays beautifully as is or could be linen backed for additional cost.