This striking original Vietnam Era double-sided U.S. Navy recruiting sign features bold artwork by celebrated illustrator Lou Nolan, known for his dynamic military imagery throughout the 1960s and 1970s. One side showcases a vivid harbor scene with a sailor raising the American flag before the USS Saratoga (CV-60), its massive superstructure glowing against a deep blue sky. The reverse presents a sharply rendered naval officer in crisp dress whites with the slogan “Command the Bold Ones,” a hallmark of Navy recruitment messaging of the period.
Printed on heavy tin, these signs were displayed at recruiting stations, fairs, and public events during the height of the Vietnam War, making surviving examples highly collectible. Nolan’s signature composition style—dramatic lighting, confident figures, and patriotic color palettes—captures the Navy’s emphasis on courage, duty, and advancement. The graphics remain strong and visually compelling, retaining the vibrancy and storytelling that made this campaign iconic.
The sign is in good vintage condition with expected wear from age and original outdoor or lobby use, including surface scratches, edge wear, and scattered cosmetic marks visible in the photos. Both sides display beautifully, and the piece presents as an impressive historic artifact from mid-century American military advertising—ideal for collectors of naval memorabilia, mid-century signage, or patriotic Americana. 41h x 30w
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