Life, 1914-04-02 · page 3 of 68
Life — April 2, 1914 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not satirical content. It promotes the Gray & Davis Starting-Lighting System for automobiles, published in *Life* magazine. The ad features factory photographs showing testing equipment and workers inspecting dynamos and starting motors. The central message emphasizes quality control: each component undergoes rigorous testing at "over 1000 revolutions per minute" to ensure reliability. The headline—"Your Final Safeguard Is Provided by the Gray & Davis Corps of Testers"—markets the product through assurance of thorough inspection. The text appeals to car buyers' desire for dependable starting systems, mentioning 23 years of manufacturing experience. This reflects early automotive-era concerns about reliability. There is **no political satire or caricature** present—it's straightforward industrial advertising.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
STARTING Morton Reins, GRAY & DAVIS, Inc. orsano systes Te Your Final Safeguard Is Provided by the Gray & Davis Corps of Testers Fac-simile of tester’s report on dynamos Fac-simite of tester’s report on Starting Motor HEN purchasing a car equipped with the Gray & Davis starting-lighting system you have the satisfacticn of knowing that this system has been put through complete tests, far more dras- tic than actual service in the hands of the car owner. Nothing is left to chance, nothing is taken for granted in the Gray & Davis factory. The system is designed with the experience gained during 23 years of dynamo and motor construction. It is manufactured to outlive the car and to give absolute satisfaction under all conditions. It is built in the largest factory devoted to starting-lighting systems. After each Gray & Davis starting motor is fin- ished, it is given a minute mechanical examination. After the inspectors pass it, the motor goes to the testing rooms. Here an expert puts it through its paces. He proves its speed, torque, and voltage. He is but one of a squad of men who give their whole time to determining motor efficiency. Each dynamo is similarly inspected and tested for hours at a speed of over 1000 revolutions per minute without stopping. The machine is also tested for output and defects, so that any dynamo surviving the gruelling ordeal will generate its full quota of current, Finally comes the O. K. of the Chief Tester and a review of the records of each unit. The system has then proved its ability to meet every road and weather condition. That is one reason why the Gray & Davis system occupies a distinctive position and the big reason why you should demand it on the car you purchase. Press a pedal and the engine starts. A simple switch on the dash controls all lights. Occasional lubrication and replenishment of the battery with distilled water are required—that is all. 63 Service Stations stand ready at all times to assist our users or give advice. Send for the Gray & Davis catalog, which gives full information.