The John Schafer Collection is primarily original newspapers from the World War II era, but also includes a small amount of additional textual materials and one black-and-white photograph. It is unknown if John Schafer served during World War II, if he collected the materials, or they were given to him.

The fourteen newspapers date from January 29, 1939 to October 15, 1945 and include issues from the Seattle Daily Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Star, Seattle Sunday Times, and the Tacoma News Tribune. There is also a December 7, 1941 Honolulu Star-Bulletin, first extra edition with the headline, "WAR! Oahu Bombed by Japanese Planes." Additionally, a April 19, 1942 edition of the Fort Worth Star Telegram is included, with a handwritten note that states it is a special edition "welcoming Consolidated Aircraft to town."

Additional materials include a set of six color Consolidated Aircraft lithographs, a booklet about the Royal Canadian Air Force trianing titled "Men Take Wing," a "Recognition Instructors Information Letter, Letter No. 13" dated February 20, 1945 which provides guidance on how to recognize enemy aircraft during World War II, and a German-language street map of Berlin, circa 1940s. There is also an original clipping from Chicago Sunday Tribune depicting the crash of British R-101 rigid airship in 1930 and a 2x3" black-and-white photograph of R-101 in flight, circa 1929-1930.