Have You Really Tried to Save Gas by Getting into a Car Club

N.p. U.S. Government Printing Office, 1944. Vintage "Have You Really Tried to Save Gas by Getting into a Car Club?," World War II poster, designed by Harold von Schmidt, 1944. The dramatic graphic, depicting a bandaged soldier, blood running down the side of his face, staring straight at the viewer, sandwiched by bold text, makes it clear that if the reader is not rationing and carpooling, they are not supporting US soldiers. A classic WWII propaganda poster.

The US began rationing resources and materials needed for the war effort in 1942. Gasoline, a vital resource, was rationed for civilians with every car requiring an "A," "B," or "C" gas ration sticker on their windshield. "A" was not allowed essential trips and was only allotted three gallons of gasoline per week, and were encouraged to car pool and avoid unnecessary trips. "B" was for those requiring their vehicle for work, such as a traveling salesman, and "C" was issued to law enforcement, doctors, and essential workers.

Henry von Schmidt created a series of propaganda posters during World War II, his illustration work appeared in Collier's Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Liberty, The Saturday Evening Post, and Sunset magazines.

28.25 x 39.75 inches, folded as issued. Very Good, with chips to the upper center fold and the top margin, small chips to the middle right fold and bottom margin, and closed tears to the outer creases and margins, with light splashing to the bottom margin.

[Book #155460]