Life, 1905-04-06 · page 4 of 62
Life — April 6, 1905 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not satirical content. The page advertises "That Decauville Car" manufactured by the Standard Automobile Company of New York (circa 1905, based on patent dates shown). The illustration features a stylized female figure in Edwardian dress pointing toward the automobile, a common advertising convention of the era. The "Seal of Guarantee" circular emblem on the car's side emphasizes the manufacturer's warranty claim—365 days of free replacement for defective parts. The text appeals to potential buyers by suggesting that experienced automobile owners ultimately prefer Decauville vehicles, and encourages customers to inspect 1905 models (12-60 H.P. variants). This represents straightforward early automotive marketing rather than satire or social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HAs UPON IT THE SEAL OF GUARANTEE The seal of an unlimited guarantee which “That Decauville Car” has upon it is = assurance to you that only the best material and workmanship are put into “That Decauville Car” which you purchase. The most ardent admirers of “That Decauville Car” are those who have run other cars and have at last arrived at the conclusion that “the best is none too. good” when it comes to owning an automobile. Why not profit by the experience of others, and save time and money by purchas- ing the right machine at the start? You're sure to come to it in the end. ‘If you have a friend who is an automobile expert, bring him around with you to \ take a look at our 1905 models, consisting of 12-16, 16-20, 24-28, 30-35, and 45-60 N H. P. cars. You will understand then that our guarantee for 365 days from the date of delivery to supply and replace free of charge any defective part of ' “That Decauville Car” is a perfectly safe proposition. Send for beautifully illustrated catalogue describing “* That Steel Pan” and our double system of ignition—the high-tension magneto and accumulator. ~ STANDARD AUTOMOBILE COMPANY, of New York SOLE AMERICAN AGENT Licensed Importer under Selden Patent Salesroom: 136 West 38th Street Patented Nov. 5, '05; June 23, '03; May 12, '03 Garage: 1684 Broadway comicbooks.com