c.1917 Enlist Today U.S. Marines Joseph Leyendecker USMC WWI San Diego Imprint
Date: c.1917
Artist: Leyendecker, Joseph C.
Size (in): 26" x 18.25"
Size (cm): 64.5 x 46.4
Condition: B
Linen backed: Yes
This vintage original c.1917 United States Marine Corps recruiting poster was created by the celebrated American illustrator Joseph C. Leyendecker during the First World War with text that reads:
ENLIST TODAY U.S. MARINES – Three-in-one Service – Land, Sea and Sky – For Full Information Apply At 1025 Fourth Street, San Diego, Cal.
Leyendecker’s image of two Marines in khaki, one waving a signal flag and one lying prone with binoculars, was used on another Marine Corps recruiting poster issued during the World War One. This version with Leyendecker’s artwork only and without photos added on the right and left borders is far harder to find.
This poster is overprinted with address of the Marine Corps recruiting office in San Diego. San Diego’s special relationship with the United States Marine Corps dates back to the Mexican American War. On July 29, 1846 Marines from the Sloop-of-War USS Cyane came ashore, captured San Diego’s Old Town Plaza and raised an American flag there for the first time. The Marine Corps has maintained a strong attachment to the city ever since giving this poster with the San Diego imprint a special significance to those that love the Marine Corps.
This poster has professionally linen backed with some expert touchup and repair as needed including mitigation of creasing in the image area and light staining on the margins in places. The poster displays very nicely. Overall condition is very good for this antique original.
