Historic Americana
Scarce 1918 World War I “Jewish Welfare Board” Poster
c. 1918 WW I, “Jewish Welfare Board,” Patriotic American Fundraising Poster, by Sidney Riesenberg, Never Folded, Choice Extremely Fine+.
This 32” x 22” Two-Color, Brown & Blue Poster by Sidney Reisenberg being signed in the printed poster, and printed by Alex Gravure, Inc, New York, for the Jewish Welfare Board. Beautifully linen-backed for conservation by expert Jamie Mendez, measuring 34.25” x 23.75”. This historic WW I Poster depicts a blue “Star of David” to the left of a wonderfully depicted Doughboy, a soldier raising his hand toward the viewer. It asks civilians to contribute to the United War Work Campaign of 1918. At top it reads, “Civilians, When we go through this we need all the help and comfort you can give.” At bottom, “The Jewish Welfare Board, United War Work Campaign - Week of November”.

The poster’s artist, Sidney H. Riesenberg, became noted as both a major illustrator and a painter. He did covers and interior work for such magazines as Harpers, Scribners, Collier's and the Saturday Evening Post. Riesenberg’s paintings were mainly of a Western genre, his original oils are actively sought after and have been setting record prices at recent auctions. He reached his peak as an illustrator during WW I, being personally inspired by the war effort. His major works include "Remember The Flag of Liberty" (the famed immigrant 3rd Liberty Loan poster) and the dramatic "Over The Top For You." A nice even tone runs through the piece, and it is in truly excellent condition. We have previously sold other examples of this classic poster for upwards of $1,200 in prior auctions. This example has exceptional eye appeal and is the finest in quality we have offered.
The National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) was formed on April 9, 1917, three days after the United States declared war on Germany. The organization was charged with recruiting and training rabbis for military service, as well as providing support materials to these newly commissioned chaplains. The JWB also maintained oversight of Jewish chapel facilities at military installations. The United War Work Campaign was a unified fund raising campaign of for the YMCA, the YWCA, the Knights of Columbus, the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The goal of the campaign was to raise $170,500,000 for the fund.