Life, 1907-12-19 · page 28 of 28
Life — December 19, 1907 — page 28: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement**, not political satire. It appears in *Life* magazine (dated December 19, 1907) promoting Williams' Shaving Soap and Shaving Stick. The ad makes conventional marketing claims: that Williams produces superior lather compared to competitors, softens beards effectively, and soothes facial irritation. The imagery shows the product packaging—cylindrical containers with hinged nickel-plated boxes. The tagline "The only kind that won't smart or dry on the face" emphasizes the product's gentleness versus rival soaps that apparently caused stinging or drying. The copy addresses common shaving complaints of the era. **There is no political or social satire here**—this is straightforward early-20th-century consumer advertising using period typography and photography to promote grooming products to male readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“The onl kind that won't smart or ¢ ORE than half the shave depends upon the lather and that depends on getting Williams Sha- ving Soaps. Other soaps produce lather, but nothing has ever equalled Williams Shaving Soap in its ability to soften the beard, soothe the face and allay irrita- tion. That's why in the experience of a multitude of men it is “The Only Real Shaving Soap.” Williams’ Shaving Stick sent on receipt of price, 25c,if your peanut gist does not supply you. A sam- ple stick (enough for fifty shaves) for 4c in stamps. The New Nickeled Box Hinged Cover THE J. B. WILLIAMS COMPANY Department A, Glastonbury, Conn. ASK YOUR DRUGGIST FOR WILLIAMS JERSEY CREAM TOILET SOAP comicbooks.com