During WWII, the U.S. Government encouraged people to buy U.S. Defense (war) Bonds and Stamps to help finance the war. It was considered a patriotic duty and an investment in victory. This item promoted the purchase of these wartime U.S. Defense Bonds and Stamps. The objective of the game is for players to purchase punch tabs for a small fee, then punch through them with their finger or a small tool, revealing a prize such as a sticker, a piece of candy, or a message, underneath. The funds raised through the sale of the punch tabs would go towards supporting the war effort, specifically by funding the purchase of defense bonds. So essentially, the punch tabs were a way to incentivize people to donate money to the war effort, while also providing them with a fun and interactive way to participate in the fundraising campaign.
Ebay. I’ve seen a few others that were unpunched as well. Not as cheap as I was able to get this one though.