A scarce full Esky-Card Set #6 of Szyk Caricatures in original package, printed in the U.S.A, by Esquire Inc., Chicago, Ill, 1942.
Produced in 1942 these caricatures were drawn by noted exiled Polish illustrator Arthur Szyk and were prepared with the U.S. Office of War Information as propaganda attacking the Axis of Germany, Italy and Japan.
1. “December 7, 1941”: The first card in the series is titled with the date for Pearl Harbour and depicts an image of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito holding a branch to the face of a seated and personification of America (with similar facial appearance to FDR) in his left hand and about to stab him in the back with his right; Hitler and Mussolini watch together over America’s right shoulder.
2. “The New Orderlies”: The second in the series shows a group of military men, each representing a specific faction (Spain, Hungary, Romania, Italian, Japan, Gestapo, Vichy, Finland), all marching under Germany riding a tall horse, and along side Japan on a smaller horse, and Mussolini on a Mule. A skeleton marches in their ranks and the Grim Reaper flies on a vulture above holding high a Swastika with a full flock extending into the distance.
3. “Il Duce…” : The third translates as “The Leader” and depicts an oversized Hermann Göring, a an awfully smug Hideki Tojo, and the Grim Reaper leading a chained and reluctant Benito Mussolini.
4. “Some Necks…”: The fourth card shows FDR, Churchill and Stalin very much in control of tiny depictions of Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito.
5. “The Map Maker” depicts Hitler showing maps of the world to the various Axis leaders and allies, making it clear they are under his control; Mussolini appearing very unpleased.
6. “Detour on the Glory Road”: In frigid weather Hitler is tightly bundled and walking in deep snow; the snow covering partially exposed dead and rotting corpses, the sky full of hungry vultures. Below the illustration reads, “This damn winter is just another intrigue of Roosevelt and the international bankers.”
The back of each postcard is labeled in the upper left, “SZYK CARICATURE$S / Set #6 – Card #[the number for the specific card] / Caricatured by Arthur Szyk especially for Esquire, The Magazine for Men”; printed center is “Esky-Card / [the Caricature logo of a male head] / T. M. Reg.” the dividing line and at the bottom, “COPYRIGHT BY / ESQUIRE, INC. / CHICAGO, ILL. / 1942”; the upper right corner has a postage placement reading, “PLACE / THREE CENT / STAMP / HERE / Printed in U.S.A.”
The package reads, “SZYK CARICATURES / Esky-Card Set #6 / In this package, there are 6 of the famous caricatures by Szyk – all different – from Esquire, The Magazine for Men, printed in full colors on special oversize deluxe stock – suitable for mailing and worthy of collecting. / START YOUR COLLECTION NOW! / Set of Six for 25c”
Condition: It is in Very Good Vintage Condition; the corners show the least bit of softness, most are crisp; there may be light spots on a couple commensurate with age, this is very light and noticeable on close inspection only; the colours and print are bright and strong. The package has some tears and browning but is present with all information clear; inscribed in ballpoint pen on the front is, “Collector’s Item / World War II”. Overall, a very nice complete postcard set.
