1933 Old Salts! Iron Men of Wooden Ships J.W. Burbank U.S. Navy

Date: 1933
Artist: Burbank, J.W.
Size (in): 41” x 28.25”
Size (cm): 104.1 x 71.8
Condition: A-
Linen backed: Yes

This vintage original and rare interwar period US Navy recruiting poster was issued in 1933 and features artwork created by J.W. Burbank under the title OLD SALTS! Burbank’s artwork is actually based on a famous photograph taken aboard the US Navy steam sloop-of-war USS Mohican in 1888 by Assistant Surgeon Hervey W. Whitaker titled “The Old Navy” or “The Old Salts of the Square Rigger Navy”. The four men in the photo were identified in 1913 as David Ireland, Gilbert H. Purdy, John T. Griffith, and John King. The lower margin is printed 5.22.33 so thus a 1933 publication date.  Text at the bottom of the poster reads: 

The faithfulness to Country and love of Service exemplified by these old “Iron Men of the Wooden Ships” is the heritage that the young men of today’s Navy still keep up to the highest standard.  WHY NOT BE ONE OF US? 

This vintage original poster has been professionally linen backed and a few short tears on the edges repaired. The poster has a bit of light scattered foxing in places and slight toning from age most evident on the edges. Overall condition is very good for this rare poster for which we do not find on Worldcat or trace at auction.