Pre WWI U.S. Army Recruiting Poster – For Cavalry & Infantry

Pre WWI U.S. Army Recruiting Poster –  “Men Wanted for the Army,”  showing a mounted cavalry bugler and and infantry sergeant. The poster is the work of artist Michael P. Whelan, who did a number of recruiting posters for the Army in the years leading up to WWI.

This poster has great character with super color, and a bit of history, as to who it was shipped to, and other stamped information that is usually not seen, as most of these didn’t survive long after their period of use. Printed on the bottom front is “Recruiting Station U.S.A. /450 Asylum Street / Hartford, Conn.”  On the upper back section is printed & written, “POSTMASTER / Hebron Conn.” Then another printed stamp reads, “WAR DEPARTMENT / Recruiting Station U.S.A. / Hartford . . Conn. / OFFICIAL BUSINESS / PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID / PAYMENT OF POSTAGE $300.”

Having been hung in a couple of locations, it shows rather good condition. There is some tearing at top center where it was hung by red string, a straight pin was stuck through the poster that once held a note, and wrinkles from having been rolled up for a long time. The poster is very good+, with other little blemishes, wear, and some foxing which is mostly seen on the linen backing. The original wooden sticks at either end are present and firmly attached.

Suitable for hanging as is.  This is probably the most popular recruiting posters for collectors, with the cavalry bugler with the Plains in the background. First of these I’ve seen in a long time in such good condition.