Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of what is truly one of the most famous & well known propaganda posters of the First World War. Designed by Maurice Louis Henri Neumont in 1918, "ON NE PASSE PAS 1914 - 1918!" (NO ONE WILL PASS 1914 - 1918!) served as the inspiration for Gandalf’s “They Shall Not Pass” quote in the Lord of the Rings series. This example measures 31½ x 45” and comes ready to frame.
The poster itself appears to be in rough but well-retained condition, with a series of old tape repairs and folds from over the years, but it has retained its color miraculously. There is a rather long tear along the edge where the bayonet is. Whether you are a fastidious collector or someone who will frame this for a den or office, you will not be disappointed, it is a very fine example of a French WWI poster and it is quite rare.
The poster depicts a French soldier wielding an 1886 Lebel Rifle with bayonet, wearing an Adiran helmet, ARS 1918 Gas Mask, a tattered uniform, & other field gear. His legs, embedded in the harsh muddy soil of Verdun, have become part of the Earth itself. Sitting on the ground near him are a German Gewehr 98 Rifle & M1916 Stahlhelm helmet, with what appears to be either a gas mask canister or unexploded artillery shell sitting in front of him. In the smoke from burning buildings and flora reads:
ON NE PASSE PAS!
1914 1918
The change in French dialect over the past 106 years have changed the exact translation, but the message is clear regardless of language, THEY SHALL NOT PASS.
The text along the bottom of the poster translates to "Twice I have stood and vanquished on the Marne. Brother civilian, the underhand offensive of 'white peace' will attack you in turn; and like me you must stand firm and vanquish. Be strong and shrewd. Beware of Boche hypocrisy."
A Fantastic example, ready for framing and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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