Extra War Bonds

In this striking and highly symbolic WWII propaganda poster, artist John Atherton delivers a powerful visual call to action for the U.S. Treasury’s 5th War Loan drive. Dominating the composition is a massive broom sweeping away the shattered remnants of Axis powers—most notably a tattered Japanese flag, a broken samurai sword, a destroyed Nazi swastika, and a battered German helmet. Bold blue lettering across the broom reads, "EXTRA WAR BONDS," making it clear that financial support from the American public was seen as a weapon just as critical as those on the battlefield.
Atherton’s imagery dramatizes the idea that purchasing war bonds could help "sweep away" the enemy. The defeated symbols of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan—rendered with dark tones and splashes of red—are forcefully contrasted with the pale broom and the clean, confident typeface, creating a visual metaphor for national cleansing and triumph.
John Atherton (1900–1952) was a noted American illustrator and fine artist whose work often blended realism with symbolic imagery. His commercial work appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, and he brought that same direct and accessible visual language to wartime posters. Atherton’s posters were among the most effective in communicating patriotic duty through clear, emotionally resonant imagery.
World War II posters like this one were mass-produced and displayed widely in banks, stores, and public buildings during wartime bond drives. Today, they are highly collectible for their historical significance and dramatic design. This particular poster is notable for its aggressive visual metaphor and for being part of the 5th War Loan campaign—one of the most successful, raising over $21 billion.
This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.