It was a dramatic scene of war duplicated daily. But this particular scene was only captured one time. And only in this one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, Shooting to kill, the “rear guard holds the Japanese at bay.” The fires rage. The shots ring out. And now that the artwork is completed, the job of producing what was to be one of the most successful non-sports trading cards in history begins. You’re looking at the original piece of artwork behind the Horrors of War gum card, pencil number 18. The “Horrors of War” series was drawn by Charles Steinbacher, and produced by the appropriately named GUM, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA (a piece of gum, of course, was included in the package). Over 100 million Horrors of War trading cards were printed. All the cards were produced from the series of original artwork pieces -- including this one. “To know the Horrors of War is to want Peace.” Those words were the slogan on the back of cards. Those difficult words also told the frightening story of what these “cards of war” signified. This piece measures 7 1/2 x 9 1/2” (approx.) and consists of the heavy black ink piece of art-board as well as the color overlay on tracing paper, which has a slight tear. The minor glue damage from adhesive and production art smudges and pencil markings are evident.