Judge, 1891-10-10 · page 15 of 18
Judge — October 10, 1891 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a full-page advertisement for Williams' Barbers' Soap from *Judge* magazine (circa 1891). The illustration shows a barber applying the product to a customer. The ad makes two-column claims: for shaving, it prevents irritation and protects against "Barbers' Itch" and contagious skin diseases; for shampooing, it creates rich lather and heals scalp conditions like dandruff and eczema. The page includes testimonial letters from satisfied users (dated 1891), claiming the soap cured chronic skin problems. This was a common advertising strategy of the era—using customer endorsements to establish credibility before modern regulations controlled medical claims. The product cost 40¢ per package of six cakes and could be ordered by mail. The emphasis on "absolute purity" reflects late-19th-century consumer anxieties about product safety.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
For Shaving. Its use prevents irritation, roughness, chapping and pimples. The only absolute protection against Barbers’ Itch, Sycosis and kindred contagious skin diseases peculiar to the face. Rich, cooling and cream-like; it possesses germicide and healing properties of the most pronounced value. Indorsed by eminent physicians; used by all #rst-class Barbers. Constitutionat Civ, Lonpox, ENGLAND, September 5, 1891. To Tue J.B. Wiiaus Co., Glastonbury, Conn., U.S. A. Gentlemen : I'am so highly pleased with your Soap that I will never be without it again, no matter how much trouble I may have in obtaining it. Previous to’ 1890 I was always troubled with pimples and sores about my throat and chin, but since that time I have used your WILLIAMS’ SHAVING Soar and have been entirely free from the trouble. fery truly yours, Joun A. Davison. WILLIAMS mous BARBERS: QOAP- ir SHAMPOOING. Shampooing. It is zot like the cheap liquids. It makes a great, big, rich lather—cool and cream-like. It heals sores, stops itching and pre- vents dandruff. It is neat, quick and safe. Thousands of Barbers are now using it. Customers demand it, preferring it to any other kind of Shampoo, 13 TERRACE Pace, Yonkers, N. Y., ‘August 10, 1891. Tur J.B, Wntaus Co. Glastonbury, Conn. jear Sirs: For years, and particularly during the warm weather, I have suffered from the most irritating of minor annoyances—itching of the head. From continual scratching the scalp has become irritated and covered with a sort of eczema, A short time ago my Barber recommended me to wash my head daily with your Wittiams’ Barsers’ Soar, saying that he had used it with great success in many similar cases. “I purchased a pound package and followed his directions, and in less than a week the scalp began to heal, and is now perfectly well. The itching is all gone, and I am constrained by gratitude for the comfort I enjoy to acknowledge the merits of your famous soap. Very respectfully yours, Janes V. Rexp. WILLIAMS’ BARBERS’ SOAP, in packages of six cakes, Sold by all Barbers and Druggists. Price 40¢. Try a package. Now used in thousands of homes as a Tomet, BATH and Nursery Soap, Consumers appreciate its ABsoLUTE Purity. Sent post-paid, on receipt of price in stamps, by THE J. B. WILLIAMS CO., - Gtastonsury, CoNN., U.S.A. “4s comicbooks.com if