Life, 1907-01-31 · page 24 of 24
Life — January 31, 1907 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **straightforward advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It's a 1907 product promotion for Colgate's Shaving Stick in *Life* magazine. The ad emphasizes modern "chemistry" and convenience—key selling points of the era. It highlights that the product is: - **Sanitary and antiseptic** (reflecting early-1900s anxiety about germs) - **Self-contained** in a nickeled box (no messy mug required) - **Portable** for travelers - **Superior** to traditional soap for difficult beards The language ("Magic Wand," "greatest value in one package") uses hyperbolic marketing typical of the period. The accompanying product image shows an attractive cylindrical container designed to appeal to middle-class men concerned with hygiene and grooming standards. There are no caricatures or political references—this is purely commercial advertising targeting men's personal care through appeals to modernity, cleanliness, and practicality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
? LIFE BEST EVERY POINT <== SOAP »»—— “A Triumph of Modem Chemistry!” So neutral and refreshing | it leaves the face supremely cool and comfortable. Superbly rich in lathering properties, the lather is firm, close and abundant quickly'made and lasts without relathering. Aseptic and Antiseptic, it gives the Sanitary Shave. The mug and rubbing in the lather with the fingers are avoided. DIRECTIONS In each box the simplest, cleanest and most up-to-date method of shaving is briefly explained, with scientific reasons for working up the lather on the face. NICKELED BOX Handsome as Sterling Silver on your dressing-table, and much easier to keep bright. Strong and compatt, its screw-top cannot shake off in your traveling-bag. Its paper lining keeps both soapand box sweet and clean. COLGATE’S SHAVING STICK THE GREATEST SHAVING VALUE ONE PACKAGE _ SEND FOR IT JUST TRY IT The “Magic Wand of Shaving” for the toughest beard. You will find it better than the soap you thought was best. Trial Stick in Nickeled Box for 4c. Colgate & Co. Dept.6, 55 John St. New York