A Private Collection of WWII National Savings Posters

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A collection of Second World War National Savings posters will be offered in our timed Open House auction. Offered in 39 lots, this remarkable group of over 90 WWII vintage posters was assembled by Peter Davison, an aviation author and photographer.

The National Savings Movement was instrumental in raising funds to support the war effort, with many of the posters illustrated by well-known artists. One of the rarest in the collection is ‘Wanted For Sabotage: The Squanderbug alias Hitler’s Pal’, a character created by the artist Phillip Boydell (1896-1984). The cartoon bug appeared in press adverts and poster campaigns as a menace who encouraged shoppers to waste money rather than buy War Savings Certificates.

^{A rare WWII National Savings poster, 'Wanted For Sabotage - The Squanderbug alias Hitler's Pal..' (£100-200)}

Among the most dramatic images – the artist unknown – 'Wings For Victory - Our Target' shows a view from a fighter plane cockpit during a dogfight, with a German plane descending in flames.

^{A WWII National Savings poster, 'Wings For Victory - Our Target' (£200-400)}

Peter Davison is both a member of the Executive Committee at Aviation Heritage UK and an Associate Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Heritage Specialist Group. He has also lectured on the history of airships and has authored several books on specialist subjects.

During the 1970s, prior to working for the Design Department of London's Science Museum, he became aware that the Department for National Savings was reviewing their collection of posters with the intention to dispose of any duplicates. Upset by this potential loss, Davidson gained permission to rescue a selection of posters from the scrap pile, and kept them at his home in a plans chest.

^{A private collection of WWII National Savings posters}

Now retired and culling some of his possessions, Peter approached Sworders to ask whether these posters might be of interest for auction. Thrilled to find that, having been in storage for so many years, most are still in excellent condition and many appear unused, we are delighted to offer them in our upcoming sale.

Auction Details

This collection of WWII National Savings posters, displayed among many other exciting and varied lots in our Open House auction will feature in the 1-7 September edition.

Viewing

Viewing is available at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms at the following times:

Wednesday 2 September | 10am-3pm

Thursday 3 September | 10am-3pm

Friday 4 September | 10am-3pm

Monday 7 September | 10am-3pm

Open House

Timed Online Auction | Tuesday 1 - Monday 7 September

openhouse@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
 

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