Lady Liberty Sword Drawn Navy Poster World War 1 | Rare 1917 Kenyon Cox Recruitment | Linen-Backed Original

Description

We preserve an original lady liberty sword drawn navy poster world war 1—a stunning 1917 WWI recruitment artwork by master American artist Kenyon Cox, N.A. This iconic composition features Lady Liberty in a flowing red cloak wielding a sword and inscribed scroll—a stirring call to American naval service during the Great War. Printed by the legendary H. C. Miner Litho. Co. in New York and distributed through the U.S. Navy Recruiting Station at 34 East 23rd Street, this is investment-grade Americana from a pivotal moment in naval history. The lady liberty sword drawn navy poster world war 1 is a trophy piece for collectors of historic military memorabilia.

The poster’s message—”The sword is drawn, the Navy upholds it!”—echoes Liberty’s scroll: “We can do no otherwise.” A battleship sails in the background, anchoring the composition in naval power and American resolve.

✓ WHAT YOU RECEIVE:

• Original lithograph (not a reproduction—this is the authentic 1917 printing)
• Linen-backed, archival quality—professionally conservation-mounted for preservation
• Artist: Kenyon Cox, N.A.—master of American allegorical and patriotic imagery
• Printer: H. C. Miner Litho. Co., New York, 1917
• Original dimensions: 103 × 68 cm (40.5 × 26.75 inches)
• Condition: Excellent—original fold marks professionally pressed out during linen backing
• Certificate of Authenticity included
• IVPDA-certified dealer guarantee

? THE DESIGN & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Kenyon Cox’s “The Sword Is Drawn” is a masterwork of patriotic symbolism. Lady Liberty dominates the composition, her red cloak billowing with movement and authority. She grips a sword—the instrument of national defense—while holding aloft a scroll inscribed “We can do no otherwise.” Below, the commanding text reinforces the call: “The Sword Is Drawn, The Navy Upholds It!” A warship sails in the background, completing the trinity of Liberty, martial strength, and naval supremacy. In fact, the Lady Liberty sword drawn navy poster world war 1 visually encapsulates the era’s spirit and fervor.

This 1917 printing predates Pearl Harbor by 24 years but captures the exact moment when American naval preparedness became a matter of national conscience. The poster was issued by the U.S. Navy Recruiting Station in Manhattan—a direct appeal to young men to answer the call to service.

Kenyon Cox’s Legacy: One of America’s most celebrated academic painters and illustrators, Cox (1856–1919) created some of the nation’s most enduring patriotic and allegorical works. His mastery of composition, symbolism, and historical weight made him a go-to artist for government commissions and recruitment campaigns. Collectors specifically seek out this lady liberty sword drawn navy poster world war 1 for its unmatched provenance and legacy.

? CONDITION & PROVENANCE:

This original lithograph was carefully folded during storage—a common practice for posters of this era—but all original fold marks have been professionally pressed out during expert linen backing. The colors remain vivid and true to the 1917 printing. No restoration, no recoloring, no compromise. This is an authentic artifact of American military history, suitable for museum display or serious collector acquisition.

? INVEST IN AMERICAN HISTORY:

We deliver worldwide with full insurance. Browse 24/7 online—add to cart, check out, receive at your door. This is a rare opportunity to own a museum-quality WWI Navy recruitment poster from one of America’s greatest academic artists. Ultimately, owning a lady liberty sword drawn navy poster world war 1 connects you to a tangible piece of both American and world history.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.