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Original World War II-era 29 x 39 poster from Stetson’s “Keep it Under Your Stetson” campaign, featuring artwork by Robert Riggs of a soldier mourning a fallen comrade in a Pacific theater setting below a cautionary message, “The Less Said, the Less Dead,” a warning against the dangers of sharing sensitive information about troop movements. Professionally conservation-mounted and linen-backed to a slightly larger size. Rolled and in fine condition.
Unlike many wartime posters issued directly by the U.S. government, this example was produced in 1944 by the John B. Stetson Company as part of its widely circulated public service campaign, reflecting the role of private industry in supporting wartime messaging. The slogan “Keep it under your Stetson” became a familiar national catchphrase, comparable in recognition to ‘Loose lips sink ships,’ reinforcing the importance of discretion on the home front. This is the larger format version of the poster.
The artist, Robert Riggs (1896-1970), was an American illustrator and painter best known for his dynamic depictions of boxing and circus scenes, in addition to his wartime work. Stetson, founded in 1865 by John B. Stetson in Philadelphia, rose to prominence through its association with the American West and is widely credited with popularizing the cowboy hat, remaining an enduring name in American apparel.
