Home Front Poster Appraisal

WWI Salvation Army 'Oh, Boy! That's the Girl!' Propaganda Poster

This item is a vintage World War I Home Front Salvation Army poster, measuring approximately 30 inches by 40 inches. The poster's primary image features two figures: a smiling Salvation Army 'lassie' in the background, holding a tray laden with what appear to be baked goods (likely donuts, a known Salvation Army comfort item during the war), and a joyous soldier in the foreground, wearing a helmet and holding a donut to his mouth. The soldier's expression is one of extreme happiness and contentment, emphasizing the positive impact of the Salvation Army's efforts. The color palette is vibrant, with blues for the sky, earthy tones for the uniforms and landscape, and a bright red for the 'Salvation Army' text, drawing immediate attention. Text prominently displayed includes 'Oh, Boy! that's the Girl!', 'THE SALVATION ARMY LASSIE', 'Keep Her on the Job', and 'UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN'. There is also a date 'NOV. 11-18 1918', which strongly suggests its issuance immediately following the armistice, positioning it as both a wartime and post-war fundraising or celebratory piece. The poster's condition appears to be relatively good, though typical signs of age, such as slight discoloration, minor creasing, or edge wear, might be present, particularly given its historical context and potential display. The illustrations are characteristic of early 20th-century graphic design for public campaigns, focusing on emotional appeal and clear messaging. The craftsmanship is indicative of mass-produced lithography or similar printing methods of the era. No specific maker's marks or signatures are clearly discernible from the provided image.