1943 Chessie the Railroad Cat WWII

Vintage 1943 Chessie the Railroad Cat WWII Print – Framed by Eaton’s Canada Co. Up for auction is a beautiful piece of mid-century North American railroading and wartime history. This authentic World War II-era lithograph print features Chessie, the famous corporate mascot for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O). Titled "Chessie's War Duty," this iconic illustration originally appeared in the 1943/1944 C&O Railroad Calendar. The poignant wartime scene depicts a smiling Pullman porter gently lifting a bedsheet to discover Chessie the kitten tucked safely into Lower Berth 9. The advertisement famously highlighted how Chessie was "doing her part" for the war effort by giving up her train berth so traveling American military personnel could use the bed. Provenance & Framing Details This piece features spectacular historical provenance. The back retains its original, authentic paper label from The T. Eaton Co. Limited (Eaton's) "Picture Department" in Canada. The handwritten inventory/stock number (17302) on the department store sticker perfectly matches the original pencil inscription on the brown dust backing, proving this piece was professionally handled and framed by Canada's premier mid-century department store shortly after the war. • Dimensions: 14.75" x 15.75" (Total outer frame size) • Frame: Period-accurate, light-toned patterned wood frame with original glass and custom interior matting. • Hanging Hardware: Original wire hanger intact. Condition Report • Artwork Front: Excellent vintage condition. The lithograph colors remain remarkably bright, clean, and vibrant with no visible staining or water damage. • Frame & Backing: The wood frame and glass are structurally intact and secure. The original brown paper dust backing shows its age with a clean horizontal split and mild brittleness typical of 1940s paper, but the Eaton's label remains firmly attached and legible. (Please see all photos for exact condition details). Nearest intersection Younge Street and Stelees Avenue