Nov 10, 2001 - Sale 1914

Sale 1914 - Lot 34

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
LOUIS FANCHERSOUTHERN PACIFIC LINES. Circa 1918.
19 1/4x26 3/4. Latham Litho & Ptg., [New York.]
Condition B: vertical fold; restoration and creases in image; overpainting in margins.
A rare and unusual World War I image advertising the Southern Pacific Line. From 1918 to 1919 the United States Government took over the railroads, virtually nationalizing the system (through the United States Railroad Administration) in the name of the war effort. During that time the railroads were not allowed to advertise. And most likely it was the powerful patriotic message of this poster (along with the equally strong image of a train bearing down on a hun) which helped it slip by the censors and allowed the company to keep the Railroad's name in front of the public. Golden Age 105.