Treat ’Em Rough: Join the Tanks

An enormous black cat with glowing eyes, exposed fangs, and extended claws leaps across a battlefield filled with tanks, smoke, explosions, and shattered terrain in this extraordinary First World War recruitment poster. Fiery orange and yellow forms surround the blue-black animal, creating an immediate sense of movement and intensity.

Created by August William Hutaf in 1917 for the United States Tank Corps, the poster pairs its unforgettable illustration with the commanding slogans “Treat ’Em Rough!” and “Join the Tanks.” Monumental typography, dramatic color, and exaggerated imagery make the design a striking example of American wartime poster art.

Artwork Details

• Artist: August William Hutaf
• Title: Treat ’Em Rough: Join the Tanks
• Original title: Treat 'em rough - Join the tanks United States Tank Corps
• Series: World War I Posters
• Date: 1917
• Period: World War I
• Place of Origin: United States
• Medium: Color lithograph

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.