Life — September 26, 1912 — page 48: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **full-page advertisement** for Pall Mall cigarettes, not a political cartoon or satirical content. The ad emphasizes price comparison between markets: "A Shilling in London / A Quarter Here," suggesting Pall Mall cigarettes cost one shilling in London and a quarter (25 cents) in America—positioning them as affordable luxury goods. The design features an ornate oval frame with a checkerboard border and decorative scrollwork, containing a coat of arms at the top and an image of a Pall Mall cigarette package. The elegant presentation appeals to consumer aspirations of the era. Published September 20, 1912 in *Life* magazine, this reflects early-20th-century advertising focused on transatlantic commerce and pricing strategies.