Life, 1908-12-17 · page 21 of 28
Life — December 17, 1908 — page 21: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **no political cartoons or satire**—it is primarily a collection of luxury goods advertisements from the early 20th century, aimed at affluent readers seeking high-end Christmas gifts. The ads promote: - **Cigarette and cigar humidors** by Benson & Hedges (sterling silver and rare woods) - **Meriden silverware** (flatware and decorative pieces in sterling and silver plate) - **J. & F. Martell cognac and brandies** (established 1715) - **Life's Prints catalogue** (160 reproductions of artwork, 25 cents) The single non-advertising image, titled "Their Hopes," appears to be a sentimental scene—likely depicting figures in poverty or hardship as a foil to the luxury products surrounding it, emphasizing Life's charitable or philanthropic mission. The overall page reflects Gilded Age consumer culture: expensive imports, precious metals, and liquor marketed to wealthy Americans as status symbols and gifts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
in Crystal and Sterling Silver from $42.00 ; in SheMeld Plate from $10.00. The ompartment olds a fresh, uncut lemon, the oil of which {s comple- y to fine Turkish Tobacco which it preserves perfectly fresh, on Cigars, Egyptian Cigaretion English Smoking Te ‘and Silver Cigarette Causes and Mateh Boxes, and Smohere The “B. & H.” Patent Cigar Humidor in all rare woods, holding from 200 cigars: (85, 00) to 2000 ($100.00), with silver or brass trim and English Bramah lock. Fine Imported “Cabinet” Cigars Benson & Hedges 13 Old Bond Street LONDON 435 Fifth Avenue 74 Broadway NEW YORK 174 St. James Street Atticles Celivered without extra duty in London or Canada MONTREAL Silver Gifts of: Grace and Beauty MERIDEN ware, because of its rare quality and ex- quisite designs, is invariably chosen by purchasers of discriminating taste who desire to make Christmas bestowals of only the best silver. Selecting Meriden ware is evidence of excellent judgment because it is always distinctive in character, distinctive in exclusiveness and charm. Both in sterling and silver plate, Meriden ware is to be had in wide variety. Articles big and little are offered in many pattems so that satisfactory selection is assured. Prices are quite as varied as the assortment, making Meriden ware attractive to all purses. THE MERIDEN CO, Silversmiths Ctervationsl Silver On, Beceessor.) THEIR HOPES India Print, 22 by 18 in. $2.00 Have cheerful things about you. On receipt of twenty- five cents, we will send you the richly illustrated cata- logue of Lrre’s PRINTS con- taining 160 reproductions of these most artistic and pleas- Ay ure-giving pictures. a Always a LIFE PUBLISHING CO. : 27 West 31st Street, Welcome New York Gift MARTELL Cognac (Founded 1715) FINE OLD LIQUEUR BRANDIES | GENUINE OLD BRANDIES MADE FROM WINE Sole Agents G.S. NICHOLAS 6CO, New York comicbooks.com