A rare WWII-era American newspaper political cartoon titled “FINGER MAN”, signed ALAN, drawn on vintage Albaccio Drawing Board (commercial illustration board). The bold graphic satire shows a giant finger labeled “CONGRESS” pressing down on a small “4-F’s” figure—an incisive commentary on wartime draft classifications, government power, and public frustration during World War II. Collectible original cartoon art with strong historic Americana appeal.
This original black-and-white editorial cartoon is a punchy piece of wartime visual rhetoric: a looming hand labeled CONGRESS extends an accusing finger, compressing a diminutive man holding a “4-F’s” placard. The exaggerated scale and simplified silhouettes follow classic American newspaper cartoon language—high contrast, instantly readable symbolism, and a single, clear “hit” of satire.
The “4-F” reference points to the Selective Service draft classification for those deemed not qualified for military service—a term charged with stigma, resentment, relief, and social tension during WWII. Here, the cartoon’s humor is sharp-edged: the powerless figure becomes a target for political pressure, scapegoating, or moral judgment, while “Congress” is rendered as the overwhelming force.
Technically, the work is executed on commercial illustration board—the standard for mid-century newspaper and magazine production—designed to reproduce cleanly for print. The red editorial notations (“…two cuts…”) and the neatly lettered title at top strongly suggest it was prepared for publication layout and cropping. The signature “ALAN—” appears at lower left; authorship is presented conservatively as “Alan (signed)” pending identification of the specific syndicated cartoonist.
Alan (American, active mid-20th century; full identity unconfirmed) is presented here as a signed editorial cartoonist working in the WWII period. Many newspaper cartoonists—especially those producing spot cartoons for regional papers, wartime bulletins, or syndication packages—signed with single-name professional signatures (or abbreviated marks) that can be difficult to tie to a unique individual without the original newspaper imprint, syndicate stamp, or accompanying clipping.
What can be stated factually from the object: the cartoon is professionally composed for print, drawn on period illustration board, titled for editorial use, and employs recognized WWII draft-era symbolism.
Alan (American, active WWII era), “Finger Man,” c.1942–45. Original political cartoon on illustration board (Albaccio Drawing Board), ink/graphite, 15 × 20 in., signed “ALAN—” lower left; editorial crop notes present; WWII draft-era satire referencing “4-F.”
This certifies that the artwork titled “FINGER MAN” is an authentic mid-20th-century American editorial cartoonconsistent with WWII-era newspaper production methods. The piece is executed on period commercial illustration board and bears the artist’s hand-signed mark “ALAN—” at lower left, along with editorial layout notations consistent with published cartoon preparation. Based on materials, drafting conventions, and subject matter, the work is attributed to Alan (signed), American, active WWII era.
Created by Alan (signed “ALAN—”), United States, c. WWII era (c.1942–45)
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City, United States and Europe
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Rare WWII-era original newspaper political cartoon “FINGER MAN” signed ALAN. Powerful satire: CONGRESS as a giant finger pressing down on a “4-F’s” figure—draft-era commentary with bold graphic impact. Original illustration board artwork, 15×20 in., collectible wartime Americana.
#artfindgallery #WWIIArt #PoliticalCartoon #EditorialCartoon #AmericanHistory #DraftHistory #SelectiveService #VintageIllustration #OriginalCartoonArt #AmericanaCollectibles
NPS: WWII draft classifications and 4-F as “unfit for service due to physical, mental, or moral reasons.” National Park Service
Selective Service System: classification list including 4-F = registrant not qualified for military service. Social Security Services
Fredrix (E.H. Friedrichs): company history/founding in New York City (context for period artist materials/boards). Fredrix Artist Canvas
Reference listing text describing this specific “Finger Man” cartoon and its 4-F/Congress imagery.
A rare WWII-era American newspaper political cartoon titled “FINGER MAN”, signed ALAN, drawn on vintage Albaccio Drawing Board (commercial illustration board). The bold graphic satire shows a giant finger labeled “CONGRESS” pressing down on a small “4-F’s” figure—an incisive commentary on wartime draft classifications, government power, and public frustration during World War II. Collectible original cartoon art with strong historic Americana appeal.
This original black-and-white editorial cartoon is a punchy piece of wartime visual rhetoric: a looming hand labeled CONGRESS extends an accusing finger, compressing a diminutive man holding a “4-F’s” placard. The exaggerated scale and simplified silhouettes follow classic American newspaper cartoon language—high contrast, instantly readable symbolism, and a single, clear “hit” of satire.
The “4-F” reference points to the Selective Service draft classification for those deemed not qualified for military service—a term charged with stigma, resentment, relief, and social tension during WWII. Here, the cartoon’s humor is sharp-edged: the powerless figure becomes a target for political pressure, scapegoating, or moral judgment, while “Congress” is rendered as the overwhelming force.
Technically, the work is executed on commercial illustration board—the standard for mid-century newspaper and magazine production—designed to reproduce cleanly for print. The red editorial notations (“…two cuts…”) and the neatly lettered title at top strongly suggest it was prepared for publication layout and cropping. The signature “ALAN—” appears at lower left; authorship is presented conservatively as “Alan (signed)” pending identification of the specific syndicated cartoonist.
Alan (American, active mid-20th century; full identity unconfirmed) is presented here as a signed editorial cartoonist working in the WWII period. Many newspaper cartoonists—especially those producing spot cartoons for regional papers, wartime bulletins, or syndication packages—signed with single-name professional signatures (or abbreviated marks) that can be difficult to tie to a unique individual without the original newspaper imprint, syndicate stamp, or accompanying clipping.
What can be stated factually from the object: the cartoon is professionally composed for print, drawn on period illustration board, titled for editorial use, and employs recognized WWII draft-era symbolism.
Alan (American, active WWII era), “Finger Man,” c.1942–45. Original political cartoon on illustration board (Albaccio Drawing Board), ink/graphite, 15 × 20 in., signed “ALAN—” lower left; editorial crop notes present; WWII draft-era satire referencing “4-F.”
This certifies that the artwork titled “FINGER MAN” is an authentic mid-20th-century American editorial cartoonconsistent with WWII-era newspaper production methods. The piece is executed on period commercial illustration board and bears the artist’s hand-signed mark “ALAN—” at lower left, along with editorial layout notations consistent with published cartoon preparation. Based on materials, drafting conventions, and subject matter, the work is attributed to Alan (signed), American, active WWII era.
Created by Alan (signed “ALAN—”), United States, c. WWII era (c.1942–45)
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery, New York City, United States and Europe
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Rare WWII-era original newspaper political cartoon “FINGER MAN” signed ALAN. Powerful satire: CONGRESS as a giant finger pressing down on a “4-F’s” figure—draft-era commentary with bold graphic impact. Original illustration board artwork, 15×20 in., collectible wartime Americana.
#artfindgallery #WWIIArt #PoliticalCartoon #EditorialCartoon #AmericanHistory #DraftHistory #SelectiveService #VintageIllustration #OriginalCartoonArt #AmericanaCollectibles
NPS: WWII draft classifications and 4-F as “unfit for service due to physical, mental, or moral reasons.” National Park Service
Selective Service System: classification list including 4-F = registrant not qualified for military service. Social Security Services
Fredrix (E.H. Friedrichs): company history/founding in New York City (context for period artist materials/boards). Fredrix Artist Canvas
Reference listing text describing this specific “Finger Man” cartoon and its 4-F/Congress imagery.
