Life, 1912-12-05 · page 91 of 116
Life — December 5, 1912 — page 91: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **luxury goods advertisement**, not a political cartoon. Reed & Barton Co., a prestigious New York jeweler and silversmith, showcases their sterling silver tableware and decorative items—tea sets, fern dishes, chafing dishes, and other fine serving pieces—with prices ranging from $17 to $270. The elaborate engraved border and centered still-life arrangement of ornate silver vessels reflect the **Art Nouveau aesthetic** popular in early 20th-century advertising. The language emphasizes exclusivity ("unequalled variety," "gems," "perfect workmanship") targeting wealthy consumers. There is **no political satire or social commentary** on this page. It represents straightforward high-end merchandising in *Life* magazine, which carried substantial advertising alongside its satirical content. The page documents consumer culture and aesthetic values of the era rather than commenting on them.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
7 ATs] oid AZ Sterling Fern Dish 185A. $131.00 Sterling Tea Set, 5 pieces, No. 560... $270.00 Sterling Sandwich Tray, 509 21.00 Sterling Bouillon Cups, No. 50, per doz. 84.00 Sterling Relish Dish, 100A 38.00 Plated Brule Bowl! and Ladle, 0931 17.00 Sterling Watteau Basket, No. 220 95.00 Sterling Chafing Dish, No. 50 214.00 Gifts for every purpose—simple or elaborate—are here in unequalled variety, each one a gem, original in conception, perfect in w orkmanship and at most attractive prices. Diamonds, Precious Stones, Gold Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Bronze Electroliers, Stationery, Leather’ Goods,’ Canes and Umbrellas REED & BARTON CoO. Jewelers and Silversmiths ‘TRADE MARK FIFTH AVENUE and 4 MAIDEN LANE 32d STREET 48 (R) NEW YORK = | SAT 2403 comicbooks.com