An Argus ad mid 1943 looks optimistically to the future
Toronto. The summer of 1943 found America at war on two fronts: in Europe against the onslaught of Hitler and in the Pacific against Hirohito and the Japanese. At this time, native American industries swung over to war production with an eye to actions post war. The American photographic and optical industries made a strong case for replacing the German photographic and optical industries after the war.
With much chest thumping like that of Argus, the American industries expected to take over the market occupied pre war by the mighty German industry, but sadly it was not to be. America and Germany battled head to head and the Americans and Allies were successful in defeating the Germans in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific.
Briefly the sun shone post war on the American industries, but soon the Germans took over once again and to the shock of both countries, Japanese industries thrashed them where it hurt – in retail sales! Typical of the war time optimism is that of Argus and International Industries as shown in this ad from Popular Mechanics, displayed here thanks the generosity of George Dunbar and his curiosity. Well done, George!
