World War I Posters

Recruiting Posters

Lot 581
Christy "Gee!! I Wish I Were A Man". 1917 Size: 26 x 40", on acid-free mat and framed to 31¼ x 45¼". Printer: not indicated. Minor, uniform fading; one horizontal crease across poster; minor creasing/wrinkling at top edge and sides, a bit more at bottom edge; one small (1") tear at bottom edge; not examined extensively out of frame, but appears to be in very good (almost fine) condition. "Gee!! I wish I were a Man" recently realized over $1300 at auction and the poster offered here is in similar condition.

"Be A Man And Do It" at "1003 Main Street, Hartford"...if the sassy miss pictured here can't join the Navy, surely some big, strong man will do it on her behalf. Actually, the lass pictured here DID join the Navy: the story goes that Bernice Smith, the model for this poster, had announced her desire to join the Navy in exactly the terms stated on the poster -- Christy overheard her and promptly painted her in sailor's blues. Ten days after she was painted, Smith enlisted in the Navy, serving as a yeoman for three years (the Navy rejected her enlistment for World War II on the basis of age and the patriotic Smith joined the Army).
Estimated Value $700-800.
Theofiles 46.

Lot 582
Christy "I Want You For The Navy". 1917. Size: 26¾ x 40", on acid-free mat and framed to 29 x 42". Printer: Forbes, Boston. One horizontal fold; minor wrinkling and creasing around edges, a handful of minor creases with minor color loss in hat and uniform; 1" tear at top edge. Would benefit greatly from re-mounting, but the color is wonderful and the overall condition is very good to fine.

The "Christy Girl" featured in this poster, Helen O'Neill, was a civilian employee of the Navy who enlisted as soon as women were permitted. When women reservists were allowed in the Marine Corps, O'Neill transferred and became Deputy Director of the Women Marines, eventually retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A great piece in super condition with an interesting background! Who could ask for more? .
Estimated Value $700-800.
Theofiles Plate C3.

Lot 583
Christy "If You Want To Fight! Join The Marines". 1915/1918(?) Size: 30 x 40", matted to 32½ x 42½". Printer: not indicated. Three horizontal and one vertical crease, minor wrinkling at right and left edges, three very small chips out of top edge, uniform fading overall, faint adhesive residue visible at bottom through sheet, nick at right edge next to "Fight", 1" tear in white field over horizontal crease. This is wonderful example of a scarce poster and is in very good condition.

The jaunty pose of Christy's heroine and the Marines gathering in the background back up the aggressive message of this poster. Using sex to rile up the machismo of eligible recruits was definitely a wise move and possibly the reason there are not very many examples of this poster available.
Estimated Value $900-UP.
Theofiles 66.