I wrote about this WWI war saving poster back in 2015 Canada war revenue poster – Great War propaganda. I put it up as my wallpaper now and then because I like it so much. It’s one of those posters you look at and idly think wow wouldn’t that be great to own.

#FWS1-4 var World War I War Savings Stamps Poster

Imagine my surprise when I was leafing through the Sparks catalogue for the upcoming auction and saw it listed. Not just any copy of the poster – a pristine issue. I’ve never seen it up for auction in all the catalogues I’ve looked through. It’s the type of offering that appeals to collectors from a number of areas – philately, WW1, history, ephemera and propaganda.

This poster is quite remarkable because of it’s condition. For a 100 year old piece of paper, it’s still bright, crisp and nearly as clean as the day it rolled off the press.  Very importantly, it comes from a non smoking home and stored properly, so it won’t have the nasty yellowing so often seen on old paper documents.  According to the listing, the poster wasn’t folded, and  never used for public display, hence the sharp colours.

#FWS1-4 var WW1 war saving poster,

an original poster measuring 20½ x 27 inches, printed and issued by the National War-Savings Committee, Ottawa. These were folded twice to be mailed to post offices for display, and this one appears to have escaped any public display, as evidenced by its gorgeous condition, bright colours and such. It depicts a large $5 stamp (FWS2) in colour of issue (green) plus nine smaller 25c stamps (FWS1) in brown.

This poster alerted the public for the purchase of the 1918 series of War Savings Stamps, as listed by van Dam as #s FWS1-4. A very rare showpiece, which has been stored in a non-smoking and archival environment for the past 100 years. There is a small (insignificant) repair in the lower left margin, else a remarkable poster, in fresh original condition, offered in a rigid top loader protective sleeve for viewing. Another great addition to the other lots we offer pertaining to this interesting issue. – Sparks Auction #27 catalogue

The  estimate is set at $750, well worth the price for such a great piece of Canadian, philately and WW1 history, especially one in such prime condition.  Check it out it out – Sparks Auction #27 pg 54 in Part 1 — Canada & British North America.