Life, 1914-03-26 · page 6 of 41
Life — March 26, 1914 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward **product advertisement** for "Nobby Tread" anti-skid tires by the United States Tire Company, published in *Life* magazine (which carried both humor and ads). The ad compares two tires visually and explains the product's construction: a thick rubber base layer plus extra reinforcing strips, creating "two tires in one." The key sales pitch emphasizes a **5,000-mile warranty**, positioning this as superior reliability. The ad's urgent tone ("DO NOT BE TALKED INTO A SUBSTITUTE") suggests competitive market pressure from rival tire manufacturers during this era. Without dating information visible, the specific time period is unclear, though the typography and design suggest early-to-mid 20th century automotive advertising.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Two Tires in One! That is what the “Nobby Tread” Tire practically is—Two wear-resisting Tires in One The big, thick, tough rubber “Nobs" that prevent skidding, are An unusually large amount of rubber and fabric is used in “ Nobby made on a big, thick, extra strong additional strip. . Treads and . Then this heavy strip is welded by hand and vulcanized on to an ly the very toughest and the best rubber, and extra heavy, extra strong tire. oo. re ially selected fabri You have got to wear out the big, thick, tough “Nobs” of rubber . only ¢ strongest, especially select ne before you even start to wear out the extra strong tire undemeath. Then don’t forget this fact, Then comes the great big difference in the quantity and the quality —aubber quality can differ and fabric quality can differ just of the rubber and of the fabric that is used in “* Nobby Treads.” as much as the quality of leather can differ. These are the reasons for the history making mileage records of “Nobby Tread” anti-skid Tires during the past four years, and based upon these mileage records we recently announced that “Nobby Tread” Tires are now sold under our regular warranty—perfect workmanship and material—BUT any adjustments are snd 5,000 Miles The unusual wear-resisting quality —the quantity of rubber —the quantity of fabric —the method of construction all have been rigidly maintained in “Nobby Tread” anti-skid tires, —and maintained regardless of cost —and maintained regardless of price competition. “Nobby Tread” Tires are REAL anti-skid tires, and mile for mile, dollar for dollar, they are by far the most economical tires. United States Tire Company DO NOT BE TALKED INTO A SUBSTITUTE Your own dealer or any reliable desler can supply you with“ Nebby-Tread” Tires, UF he has no stock on hand, insist that he get thems for ou at oa BOLLE DOO) ‘SECO ln]