US pro-American poster stamp with an image of Uncle Sam

Identifier
irn562702
Language of Description
English
Alt. Identifiers
  • 2017.227.4
Dates
1 Jan 1940 - 31 Dec 1940
Level of Description
Item
Languages
  • English
Source
EHRI Partner

Extent and Medium

overall: Height: 1.500 inches (3.81 cm) | Width: 1.125 inches (2.858 cm)

Creator(s)

Biographical History

The American Jewish League, Inc. was formed in New York City, prior to 1939, for Jewish Americans not eligible to join the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.

Archival History

The stamp was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2017 by Gregg Philipson.

Acquisition

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum collection, gift of Gregg and Michelle Philipson

Scope and Content

Poster stamp depicting Uncle Sam, issued and distributed in 1940 by the American Jewish League. The Jewish War Veterans of the United States also distributed stamps of this design. Following the outbreak of the war, the American Jewish League believed that Communism was the largest global threat, and through the stamps aimed to send a silent but powerful message. Although they were not valid for postage, poster stamps could be affixed to letters and envelopes as a fund-raising, propaganda, and educational tool. The American Jewish League, Inc. was formed in New York City, prior to 1939, for those not eligible to join the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access

Conditions Governing Reproduction

No restrictions on use

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Rectangular poster stamp on white paper with a red, white, and blue graphic design and adhesive backing. The left and bottom edges are perforated, the top and right edges are not. Along the top and bottom edges are a band of red and white vertically oriented stripes, with a blue rectangle covering the center of the stamp. In the center is a blue and white image of Uncle Sam from the torso up, with a top hat, pointed beard, and a finger pointed at the viewer. Flanking him is a large white star, and a two-part slogan is printed above and below the image. On the reverse is the name of the distributing organization printed in dark blue underneath a layer of adhesive.

Subjects

Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.