This original WW2 US Army “Keep ’Em Smilin’” Humorous Stationery Packet dates to 1942 and represents a complete morale-focused correspondence set produced for American servicemen and their families during the Second World War. Issued as part of the Army Series and published by American Art Service, these packets were designed to encourage letter writing while keeping communications light-hearted and reassuring during wartime separation.

The set includes all original contents as specified on the packet: eight different illustrated cartoon envelopes, eight unused 4-page “Keep ’Em Smilin’” writing sheets, and the original “What the Boys Want to Know” letter-writing guide. The guide offers period advice to families on what subjects to include in letters to soldiers, making it one of the most historically interesting and often missing components of these sets. The original outer packet wrapper is also present and displays honest wartime handling wear, including opening tears and paper loss at both the top edge and the lower section where the packet was originally opened.

All items are original wartime examples and remain well matched as a group. The writing paper is unused, the envelopes retain strong printed colour, and the writing guide is clean and fully legible. Two of the cartoon envelopes are lightly stuck together, a common occurrence with wartime paper items stored for long periods, but all eight envelopes are present.

We have also included two original US Army Signal Corps M-40 message envelopes. These are not part of the original “Keep ’Em Smilin’” packet contents, but they are contemporary wartime items and add useful contextual value to the group, illustrating the broader range of correspondence and communication material in use during the period.

Overall, this is a complete and well-preserved WW2 American morale stationery group, offering strong visual appeal and an excellent insight into the social and psychological aspects of wartime communication.