1940's-era War Bond Pamphlet
"How to get there"
Featuring a letter from then Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr., this WWII-era pamphlet was typical of the type of materials used to encourage American families to purchase U.S. Savings (War) Bonds.
1941 "Any Bonds Today" Sheet Music
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
Like the novelty songs that helped promote the sale of Liberty Loans during WWI, this music was written by the famed American composer to promote the sale of U.S. War Bonds during WWII. Of some interest to note is the fact the Secretary of the Treasury held the copyright to this music.
The music was featured in a 1942 animated Bugs Bunny film
Savings Bond Order Form Fold-out Envelope
June 18, 1940 Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury
Amendments to Savings Bond Ownership
This 1940 letter from Secretary Morgenthau provided explanation of government restrictions regarding the ownership of Savings Bonds. This letter would have accompanied additional information materials.
1940's Handbook For Canvassers In the Pledge Campaign
This war-era publication served as a guide for the door-to-door volunteers who sold U.S. Defense Bonds throughout the Second World War.
Printed by the Government Printing Office
1940's-era War Finance Committee Disney Certificate
This popular certificate is one of several used by the U.S. Treasury over its history. It was presented to young children who received a Savings Bond. Featuring a host of Disney characters, this collectible was a promotion to congratulate a boy or girl on their ownership of a bond, and thus their participation in helping to win the Allied war effort.
Magazine Advertisement for Disney Certificate
This 1940's era advertisement promoted the Disney Savings Bond participation certificate shown above. The ad includes an application to the War Finance Committee, established in 1943 by then Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau Jr. The committee was created to coordinate the sale of war bonds during the remainder of the war.
1940's-era Defense Bond Cardboard Milk Bottle Tops
During the early and mid-20th Century, many Americans had their milk delivered from a local dairy service. For a time, bottles the milkman brought had cardboard bottle tops, which featured a variety of advertising.
1940's-era War Bond Subscription Form
"A Pledge of Democracy"
Hollywood played an important role throughout the Second World War. In addition to making patriotic films, Hollywood studios and actors promoted the sale of Defense and Savings Bonds. This bond subscription form would have been distributed throughout the country to local movie cinemas for moviegoers.
1940's U.S. Treasury Application for Series "E" War Savings Bonds
This application, to be filled in triplicate, was used for the purchase of the Series "E" War Bonds.
Printed by the Government Printing Office
1940's-era War Bond Corporate Tag
Promotional labels and tags like this were common during the 1940's. Such items allowed businesses to show support for the war effort while encouraging their customers to do the same.
Pacific Mills was an East-coast manufacturer of fabric.
1940s Federal Reserve Bank of San Fransisco
Application for U.S. War Savings Bonds Series "E"
1940's-era V-Mail War Bond Form
During the Second World War, the V-Mail (Victory Mail) system was used as the primary method for soldiers to write letters when deployed oversees. Allowing the government to censor (to prevent any classified information from leaking), V-Mail forms where photographed, transferred to microfilm, then reprinted, saving the military from shipping heavy post back and forth. This V-Mail form encouraged the sale of War Savings Bonds.
Printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office
1940's Voice-O-Graph Recording
Voice-O-Graphs were a mid-century method of recording personal greetings on small phonographic discs. This was used during the Second World War as a method of sending messages between American troops and their families. This example, compliments of GEM brand razors, features photographs of Army and Navy servicemen making their recordings on the reverse.
This recording was sponsored by the American Safety Razor Corporation, Brooklyn, NY
1944 Fourth War Loan Window Decal
Although War Bonds were sold throughout WWII, the Treasury had bond drives to promote the sale of these securities. The "4th War Loan" bond drive lasted just over a month. It took place from January 18th through February 15th, 1944, and raised over $16 billion.
1944 Sixth War Loan Exhibit Ticket
This exhibit, in conjunction with the 6th War Loan Drive, invited the public to view the U.S. Navy's equipment at the Chicago Naval Pier. The 6th War Loan drive raised over $21 billion, and took place between November 2 through December 16, 1944.
Defense & War Savings Bond Record Envelopes
These wartime Savings Bond record envelopes were printed and distributed throughout the nation by various businesses, often banking institutions. Varying in design and size, they provided a way households could organize their savings bonds
Distributed by the Old Colony Co-Operative Bank & The Industrial Trust Co. of Providence, RI
1946 Appreciation Award For the Sale of War Loans
This metal award plaque was given to the men and women who made up a volunteer War Bond sales force. Millions of Americans participated in volunteer efforts during the war years. Through eight separate War Loan Drives, over $185 billion was raised for the Treasury.
A gift from the family of Dr. Steven and Susie Masyada
"Make Good That Pledge!" Advertising Card
This Savings Bond pledge reminder was distributed by the Dime Savings Bank of New York. Of note is the original text of the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the 1954 Congressional change adding "under God" to the wording.
Distributed by the Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, NY
1952 "Invest More In Defense Bonds" Pamphlet
This post-war pamphlet was distributed by the Treasury to encourage the sale of Series E, H, J & K Defense (Savings) Bonds.
Printed by the Government Printing Office
1964 Savings Bonds Ownership Certificate
This popular certificate is another example of the Treasury Department's outreach to the millions of young Savings Bond owners. This version highlighted the U.S. Space Program of the 1960's
Printed by the Government Printing Office
Savings Bond Gift Envelope
1968 Post Office Savings Bond Award Decal
Printed by Pottersign Inc., Massachusetts
Copyright The Joe I. Herbstman Memorial Collection of American Finance
All Rights Reserved