After years of sitting on the fence over the issue of machine guns, a war raging in Europe, and the U.S. joining that war in 1917, the U.S. military finally ordered the Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) to be rushed into production in 1918. The intended purpose of the automatic rifle was to be a man-portable squad support weapon that could be utilized in the "walking fire" doctrine employed as part of trench warfare. By the time production was in full swing, World War I was nearing its end, preventing the BAR from being used to its full potential. However, the BAR would go on to be used heavily in both World War II and the Korean War, and even see limited use in Vietnam. This massive poster is a Winchester Repeating Arms Co. promotional advertisement for the Model 1918 BAR with a "cutaway" drawing showing the inner workings of the BAR rifle prominently featured at the center. The text at the top specifies the model as well as that Winchester produced the Model 1918 for the U.S. government. At the bottom are two facing, side profile representations of the BAR. It measures approximately 21 1/2 x 52 3/4 inches. A fascinating factory promotional piece that may have been used for advertising or as a promotional item within the Winchester factory!

Exceptionally fine, showing a distinct image with some light fading, a few minor tears near the edges, and otherwise very minimal wear. A rare and unique factory promotional poster, excellent for any gun room or museum housing a Winchester, BAR, or advanced U.S. military collection! Writer has never seen another example!