Vintage Poster Archives
Uncle Sam Lick Runaway Prices 1943 | Flagg WW2 Poster
Uncle Sam Lick Runaway Prices 1943 | Flagg WW2 Poster
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Uncle Sam extends his finger in this 1943 wartime poster, beneath the bold red banner 'YOU CAN LICK RUNAWAY PRICES'. Seven numbered steps spell out the civilian's role in controlling wartime inflation, from buying war bonds to following ration rules.
Designed by James Montgomery Flagg for the Office of War Information in 1943, this poster applied his renowned Uncle Sam imagery to economic mobilisation. Flagg modelled Uncle Sam on his own likeness, adding the white hair and goatee that became the national symbol.
The seven steps correspond to the seven letters of 'VICTORY', linking personal sacrifice to national triumph. Flagg's Uncle Sam wears his characteristic blue coat and red collar, rendered in the confident illustrative style that made these wartime communications so effective.
This archival print depicts a moment when graphic design carried the weight of national policy, when every household decision was a patriotic act.
