Judge, 1915-12-18 · page 28 of 28
Judge — December 18, 1915 — page 28: 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 the Victrola, Victor Talking Machine Company's phonograph player. The image shows what appears to be an elegant interior scene with figures in formal dress, suggesting the aspirational lifestyle the product promised. The ad targets Christmas gift-givers by emphasizing luxury: owning a Victrola would bring famous opera singers (Caruso, Melba), comedians (De Wolf Hopper), and orchestras into the home. Key selling points: prices ranging $10–$350 (suggesting options for different budgets); availability of "Victor Records"; and the famous "His Master's Voice" logo (the dog listening to the phonograph). This represents early 20th-century consumer marketing—positioning an expensive device as an essential luxury item and status symbol for prosperous households. The prominence in *Judge* magazine reflects how thoroughly advertising had infiltrated even satirical publications by this era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
wn, aN KAY ae One: | A i i th me ¥ "s nen | ae vy Will there be a Victrola in your home this Christmas? The only instrument that brings you the world’s greatest artists A splendid surprise for your fam to have Caruso, Farrar, Gluck. McCormack, Melba, Schumann-Heink and other famous artists sing for them; to have i play for them; to hear Sousa’s Band, Pryo' / 's Band, Victor Herbert’s Orchestra; to enjoy Harry Lauder, Nora Bayes, De Wolf Hopper, Raymond Hitchcock and other celebrated comedians and entertainers. Nothing else will bring so much pleasure to your family and friends all the r round. There are Victors and Victrolas in great variety of styles from $10 to $350, and there are Victor dealers in every city in the world who will gladly demonstrate them and play any music you wish to hear. Victor Talking Machine Co. Camden, N. J. Dist New Victor Records demonstrated at all dealers on the 28th of each month P-9) Victrola @ THE SCHWEINLER PRESS NEW VORK