1917 France WW I Propaganda Poster Stamp "Conquer or Submit" Art: Roger Breval

Item Specifics

Year of Issue

1917

Item Description

Scarce 1917 France WW I Propaganda Poster Stamp "Conquer or Submit" Artist: Roger Breval MNH Gum Striations.

This striking poster stamp, dated 1917, was produced in France during World War I, shortly after the United States officially entered the war on April 6, 1917. The imagery and motto encapsulate the momentous shift in the war's dynamics with the entry of American military and economic power into the conflict. Visual Elements and Symbolism: Statue of Liberty: A gift from France to the United States (dedicated in 1886), the Statue of Liberty here serves as a powerful symbol of Franco-American solidarity, freedom, and democratic values. It underscores the shared heritage and political ideals between the two republics. American Flag Backdrop: The red and white stripes and blue field with stars evoke the U.S. national flag. The arrangement provides a visual emphasis on American identity and patriotism at a time when U.S. support was crucial to the Allied war effort. Date "1917": Centrally placed to highlight the decisive year when America joined the Allies in the fight against Germany and the Central Powers. Slogan – "Vaincre Ou Se Soumettre" (Conquer or Submit): A resolute wartime motto common in French propaganda. It communicates a stark choice: fight to victory or face subjugation—an appeal to courage and defiance in the face of German aggression. Context: This stamp was likely issued as part of a patriotic or charitable campaign, perhaps tied to war bonds, aid to soldiers, or public morale. Such "poster stamps" or "vignettes patriotiques" were widely produced in France, Belgium, and other Allied nations to rally civilian support, raise funds, and visually reinforce wartime messaging. Artist and Printing: At the bottom right, the small text “Coupé & Cie” (short for Coupé et Compagnie) refers to the printer or publisher, a French firm involved in producing fine lithographic work, including stamps, posters, and patriotic ephemera during the war years. Conclusion: This 1917 French poster stamp is a powerful piece of WWI propaganda, blending American iconography with French language and sentiment. It celebrated the U.S. entry into the war and reinforced a message of unity, resistance, and shared democratic values in the face of existential threat. It is now a valued item among collectors of wartime ephemera, Cinderella stamps, and propaganda art. Chat GPT

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Seller Information

Seller

Oldbrooklynguy (5775)

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03/01/2022

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Item Location

Florida, United States

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Worldwide

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No