Take ‘Er Down in the Submarine Reserves.

Colorful and clever design make this Naval recruitment publication a stand-out

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“Honored and Respected.” “No Finer Men. No Finer Service.” “Your Place in the Sub Reserve.” These are some of the headlines within Take ‘Er Down in the Submarine Reserves, a 1954 recruitment piece which is rich in design, visually striking, and of which we find no other extant copy.

But we do discover, a companion piece of sorts: the 1954 U.S. Navy film production “Take ‘Er Down” —a patriotic paean to America’s nuclear-powered submarines; a short film meant for a general audience, but a film clearly indicated to serve as a persuasive pitch, a subtle siren’s call for men to enlist.

In our publication, Sub Reserve men are seen smiling as they pop up through manholes, peering through periscopes, wearing sound-powered headsets, being taught by instructors, or moving in tandem throughout the vessel. There’s a whole new world to explore undersea . And as a Sub Reserve man, benefits and perks would be plentiful. 

Using photos of sub reserve sailors, bold and splashy colors, and strong design elements Take ‘Er Down in the Submarine Reserves makes an appealing pitch that would quicken the pulse of any young red-blooded American man.

“Come Aboard to Earn Your Dolphins.”

Price: $350.00