Life, 1899-03-25 · page 23 of 32
Life — March 25, 1899 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising**, not satire or political commentary. It contains three luxury product advertisements typical of early 20th-century Life magazine. The **Gorham Co.** advertisement promotes sterling silver wares for weddings. The **W. & J. Sloane** ad offers custom whole carpets in various styles (French, English, Turkish, etc.). The only cartoon element is a portrait medallion of **Ralph Waldo Emerson** accompanying a quote about a man being "put together like a Waltham Watch"—presumably praising precision and reliability. This serves as indirect advertising for Waltham Watch quality, implying that well-made goods are dependable. There is **no political satire** on this page. It reflects the lifestyle aspirations of wealthy Americans circa 1900s-1910s, targeting affluent consumers shopping for fine home goods and furnishings. The Emerson reference was simply a cultural appeal to taste and excellence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Wedding Silver A careful examination will demonstrate the fact that the assortment of Sterling Silver Wares as exhibited by the Gorham Co., Silversmiths is the most important ever made, comprising as it does every article for useful or ornamental purposes, of the highest order of design, workmanship and finish. These wares are entirely the work of the Gorham Co., from the conception of the design to the finished article, and are produced under the most favorable conditions. Patrons are assured of purchasing with the greatest possible economy consistent with good quality. GORHAM MFG. CO. Silversmiths Broadway & 19th St. 23 Maiden Lane W. & FJ. Sloane Special Orders now taken for delivery next Autumn or earlier of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his Essay on Elo- WHOLE CARPETS quence said in speak ing of aman whom woven in one piece to cover any space, in French he described as a Aubusson and Savonnerie, Godsend to his town. "He is put together like Berlin, English Hand-tufted and Scotch Chenille a Waltham Watch” | Axminster, India, Turkish and other fine grades. Designs prepared to suit any period of decoration; estimates submitted upon short notice. ‘Broadway § 19th Street. comicbooks.com