Life, 1914-05-14 · page 43 of 44
Life — May 14, 1914 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **commercial advertisement for Reed & Barton silverware**, not a political cartoon or satire. The company, established 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts, promotes their silver goods by invoking American colonial heritage and craftsmanship. The ad emphasizes that their "Copley" silver pattern and "Dower Chest" reflect Colonial and Pilgrim-era design values — "simple dignity" combined with "richer" Cavalier influences. The appeal is to educated, affluent consumers who appreciate historical authenticity and quality workmanship. A testimonial quotes a reader praising the company's book "Chats About Silver" for teaching people to understand and intelligently purchase silver based on its historical and cultural significance. **No satire or caricature is present.** This reflects early 20th-century advertising strategy: marketing luxury goods by associating them with American patriotic heritage and refined taste.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“An ability to trace the influences, even the meanings beneath some of the most fashionable of period and modern silver patterns— that is what I developed after reading your charmingly written book, ‘Chats About Silver.’ —From a reader of “Chats About Silver,” which interprets silver so that it can be considered and purchased intelligently, and which presents glowing pen-pictures of picturesque historical periods. Mailed freely for the asking. AN YOU not trace the influence of our Colonial fathers in this Copley silver form—its simple dignity warmed with just a touch of the richer side of those days of both Pilgrim and Cavalier? Such devotion to the spirit of an age, allied to high workmanship and developed taste, has made possible all Reed & Barton exclusive period patterns. These, with the rare scope of our modern designs—either inex- pensively or elaborately— cover the whole wide range of appropriate silver gifts. Each piece, large or small, bears our trade-mark as the outward and visible ensign of a standard which is today at the forefront of silver art; and as the ultimate proof of Reed & Barton’s pride in their ninety years of ideals and achievement. Offered by Leading Jewelers Everywhere Do not neglect to send today for our tree book, “Chats About Silver.” Dower Chest Copley After Dinner Coles st Reed , Barton Established 1824 TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS Represented at Fifth Ave. and 32d St. and at 4 Maiden Lane, NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO LONDON PARIS comicbooks.com