Life — November 17, 1910 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a **Morgan & Wright tire advertisement**, not political satire. The page depicts a police officer or traffic enforcer ("a famous little chauffeur") holding a club, positioned to stop motorists from skidding. The ad's central claim is that Morgan & Wright "Nobby Tread Tires" prevent skidding through their tread design—described as "the most positive preventive of skidding ever devised." The text emphasizes the tires' durability and grip, warning that worn smooth tires remain dangerous even if still serviceable. This is early automotive advertising (made in Detroit) targeting drivers concerned about road safety and tire performance. The "notice to motorists" framing uses the officer figure as an authority endorsing the product's safety benefits.