Posted 13 years ago
Kemppy
(1 item)
I have a cardboard type sign that measures 28" x 44". It says "Claims 252 Miles Per Gallon". Do you have any idea of what this was advertising? I was told it was from the 1930's from a gas station. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Sue
I don't think it is a product advertisement.
I think it is part of the WW2 war rationing awareness.
Fuel, tires, and food products were all strictly rationed on the Homefront to insure that the troops had enough to accomplish their mission.
I think the message here is that if someone is claiming something outlandish (car gets unbelievable fuel mileage) to explain why they have an abundance of a rationed item-- people need to question and report the activity because it is probably due to illegal activity.
Are there any markings on the bottom edge of the poster? It looks like there are some on the left. It should have a date and maybe "OPA" or "OWI".
Scott
I don't think it is a product advertisment.
I think it is a WW2 War rationing awareness poster.
Fuel, tires and many food items were heavily rationed on the Homefront throughout the war to ensure that our soldiers had everything that they needed for Victory.
I think the message is that if someone is making rediculous claims (252 mpg) to explain behavior (driving a lot) while using a Rationed item (gas) that it needs to be reported and explained because it is probably due to some sort of illegal activity.
Are there any markings on the bottom edge? It appears to have some on the left side. I would expect a date and maybe an "OPA" or "OWI".
Scott
Wow, now that is really interesting. There are marks on the bottom left as you mentioned and they are- Form # A.D. 8301. Does that mark mean anything to you? The backside is printed the same as the front, so I was guessing it was meant to be hung in a window to be viewed from both sides. There are no other markings. This is great, can't wait to hear from you again with possibly more information. Thank you so much!
I am not sure on the marks on your poster. If it had one of the marks that I mentioned, we could "close the case"!
I will see what I can find out.
Scott
Maybe one of the CW "google gurus" can find some information for you on this.