Lot 9

Designer Unknown, Canadian Patriotic Fund. 1916.

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Designer Unknown, Canadian Patriotic Fund. 1916.

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000

Starting Bid: $1,100

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
July 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010

Designer Unknown

Canadian Patriotic Fund. 1916.

Condition B+: small replaced losses, minor repaired tears and restoration in margins; overpainting over two pin holes at top margin; minor creases and abrasions in margins and image.

An extraordinary World War I era Canadian poster showing a member of the Onion Lake Kree Nation making a donation to the Canadian Patriotic Fund, a private fund geared to providing money for soldier's families. It is unclear if the appeal here was to other indigenous people to contribute, or to guilt the "white" population in contributing more.

An extraordinary World War I-era Canadian poster showing a member of the Onion Lake Kree Nation making a donation to the Canadian Patriotic Fund, a private fund geared to providing money for soldiers' families. It is unclear if the appeal here was to other indigenous people to contribute, or to guilt the White population into contributing more.

The letter reads, "Onion Lake Indian Reserve, Saskatchewan, Dec. 4th, 1916 Sir Herbert B. Ames, Ottawa Greetings: You asked me to tell you a story about how it came into my mind to pay a little towards 'War Money.' I heard there was a big war going on over there and I feel like I want to help you some way and the best I can do is to send a little money for I can't go myself as I am nearly blind. This is to show you I like to help you. I am an Indian. I heard that other Indians were going to give 25c. each out of their treaty money. I give $1.50 out of money from the Government for beef I sell the agency. I am about 50 years old and my wife and two sons are living with me and my son's wife and her child. That is the way I make up that $1.50 - - 25c. each for six. I shake hands to you, (Sgnd) Moo-che-we-in-es."

  • Dimensions: 40x26¾ inches, 102x68 cm. Howell Lith. Limited, Hamilton.
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000