Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rough example of one of the most popular US Marine Corps recruiting posters. With the founding of the Corps in 1775, the first recruiting drive was held at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. At the time, the recruiting of volunteers was the responsibility of the various barracks commanders scattered throughout the United States to guard naval installations and man ships. Recruiting posters through to the American Civil War promised prospective recruits of bounties and prizes for service at sea.

After the end of the draft in the United States in 1972, recruiters had to shift from merely processing recruits to actively seeking and encouraging them to join an all-volunteer force.

Because there are Marine installations in relatively few states, Marine recruiters are typically the public face of the Corps, seen most commonly by the civilian population.

This 1917 poster with artwork by Sidney H. Riesenberg features a US Marine in Dress Blues with a rifle shouldered. He is marching along a dock with a ship, Fort and city skyline in the background.

The poster does show signs of heavy wear which has left it delicate and torn in areas. The poster is of the “cardboard” type so the tears are more like a “break” in the material. Repairs could be easily done as it appears attempts were made in the past. There are a lot of tape repairs on the back. There are many flaws with this example including a good bit of water damage, but the message is still clear and unlike most examples, this one actually has the recruitment location printed at the bottom, Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

A great example of a rare poster that comes more than ready for further research and display. Don’t miss out on this really neat example!

The poster in its current rough condition measures about 39½ x 29½”.