Pickford Mary Mary Pickford Signed War Bond Drive Print for the U.S.S. Los AngelesA print of the World War II-era heavy cruiser U.S.S. Los Angeles signed by Hollywood silent movie actress Mary Pickford (1892-1979) as "Mary Pickford" at lower right. The print, entitled "U.S.S. Los Angeles", was executed by military illustrator Arthur Beaumont (1890-1978) as part of the ship's fundraising campaign, ca. 1943. The artist's signature appears in stone at lower left, and also outside the margin at lower right (possibly printed). The caption "I bought an EXTRA War Bond to build the cruiser 'LOS ANGELES'" is printed at bottom. Displayed in a floating mount at the center of a cream mat. Expected folds and wrinkles, else very good to near fine. A few wrinkles affect Pickford's signature. Overall mat size: 21" x 18".Mary Pickford's exact role in this fundraising effort is unknown, but she had a well-known track record of participating in wartime drives as early as World War I. It's likely that Pickford used her celebrity to advance the cause and drum up funds. After all, Hollywood is located in the shadow of Los Angeles, California, the cruiser's namesake.In July 1943, the U.S. Navy commissioned artist Arthur Beaumont to produce artwork for its War Bond Drive campaign for the construction of the U.S.S. Los Angeles. Beaumont produced images like this one in lithograph, poster, and billboard form. The drive was highly successful and eventually raised $80 million.The U.S.S. Los Angeles was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser launched in August 1944 and commissioned in July 1945. Though built too late to play a role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, the U.S.S. Los Angeles did participate in the Korean War before it was decommissioned in 1948 and sold for scrap in the early 1970s.Mary Pickford, known as "America's Sweetheart", was one of the most successful female actresses of the silent era. Her small stature, large eyes, and golden blond sausage ringlets enabled her to portray children and young heroines throughout her early career. After aging out of this subgenre, Pickford turned to movie production. She cofounded the United Artists Studio (along with future husband and actor Douglas Fairbanks, comedic actor Charlie Chaplin, and director D.W. Griffith) in 1919. Pickford was one of the 36 founding members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization responsible for determining Oscar winners.This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!