Original Items. Only One Lot Available. Japanese propaganda leaflets were air-dropped and aimed at Allied soldiers. By featuring images of loved ones from home, it was hoped that these soldiers would be persuaded to surrender, especially given Japan’s military successes from late 1941 to early 1942. This is a lovely lot of two.

The first measures roughly 5 x 7” and is titled “AMERICA’S PLAYBOY NO. 1”, and depicts President Franklin Delano Roosevelt holding American soldiers on a hook by their cartridge belts. The caption reads: VALIANT AMERICANS, THIS HURTS ME MORE THAN IT DOES YOU. I AM FORCED TO DO THIS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN MY PRESTIGE AND HONOR. ALSO IT IS GOOD FOR MY FIGURE, YOU SEE. SO HERE WE GO AGAIN. ALLEY-OOP - - WHO’S NEXT? It is meant to discourage American soldiers from continuing their fight. The leaflet is in good order with some tearing and bits missing.

The second measures 7 x 10” and is in rougher condition with some heavy tearing and staining. These would look best framed. The second depicts an American soldier missing a leg, with his arm in a cast and other arm on a crutch, with scenes around him of his woman being with another man back in the States. It is meant to demoralize the soldiers into believing that their wives are being unfaithful while they are at war, and that they wait to hear about him being killed. 

This is a very scarce lot, ready for further research and display!