Life, 1911-02-23 · page 2 of 44
Life — February 23, 1911 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising, not satire or political commentary**. The left side advertises the **Palmer-Singer automobile** (1911), emphasizing its reputation as "the strongest built car in the world." The ad appeals to buyers seeking reliability and value. The right side advertises **Steinway pianos**, highlighting their "world-wide recognition" as superior instruments for serious musicians, priced $800-$900 for miniature grands. The **single cartoon** ("Check Your Coat, Sir?") at bottom right is unrelated social humor: it shows a doorman or attendant asking a poorly-dressed visitor to check his shabby coat, implying class-based embarrassment. This is gentle observational comedy about social pretension, not political satire. The page reflects early 1900s consumer culture targeting affluent readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
fa el nv Strongest Built Car in the World REPUTATION “The estimation in which one is held by others.’?—Webster. BUY ONLY THAT WHICH HAS BEEN TESTED AND NOT FOUND WANTING— THAT WHICH HAS A WELL DESERVED REPUTATION—IT IS YOUR INSURANCE AGAINST CHANCE, and YOUR GUARAN- TEE OF SATISFACTION ADDED TO VALUE FOR YOUR EXPENDITURE. A booklet showing the estimation in which the PALMER-SINGER is held by those who own them is yours for the asking—it will prove to you that we have nothing to fear in our very strong guarantee of service under which every PALMER - SINGER is sold. Investigate the PALMER-SINGER 1911 series of high-class cars—you are sure to be suited in their price, in their small cost of upkeep, in their luxurious appointments, in their simplicity of operation and con- struction throughout. Our “reputation” booklet and other interesting litera- ture will be immediately mailed on your request. Write us for it before purchasing any car. PALMER & SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY Long Island City, N. Y. 1620.22.24 Broadway, New York 1321 Michigan Ave., Chicago Ed. M. Fowler, Wezern Sslr Manager 533 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, Cal. World-wide recognition accords to the STEINWAY PIANO a reputation above all other pianos as the most perfect instrument for the interpretation of all music. This has deep significance to those who place musical worth above every other con- sideration in the purchase of a piano. Miniature Grand, $800 to $900 Vertegrand, $550 to $600. According to Case The name of the Steinway dealer nearest you, together with illustrated literature, will be sent upon request and mention of this magazine, STEINWAY & SONS STEINWAY HALL 107 and 109 East 14th Street, New York Subway Express Station at the Door “cnck your coat, sin?” Comicbooks.com