Life, 1914-10-15 · page 48 of 48
Life — October 15, 1914 — page 48: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It promotes the Columbia Grafonola, an early gramophone (phonograph), circa 1910s-1920s based on styling and reference to "popular modern dances." The ad emphasizes the machine's superior sound quality—"tone-reproducing qualities," "brilliancy, fidelity and naturalness"—positioning it as ideal for both serious classical music and contemporary dance music. The "Mignonctte" model pictured is a cabinet-style gramophone with decorative wooden furniture. Prices ranged from $25 to $500, suggesting models for different economic classes. A notable detail: the ad includes an "IMPORTANT NOTICE" that Columbia Records work on "any standard make" of disc talking machine—an early competitive claim emphasizing compatibility across brands. The Columbia logo and "Note the Notes" slogan appear in the upper right corner. **No satire or political content is present.** This is straightforward commercial advertising from Life magazine.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
[ts superb tone-reproducing qualities, its brilliancy, fidelity and naturalness, distinguish the Columbia Grafonola as the one ideal musical instrument — whether you are listening to the selections of the great artists or dancing the lilting measure of the popular modern dances. IMPORTANT NOTICE:—All Columbia Records can be used on your disc talking machine (if any standard make). Mlustrated is the Columbia Grafonola “ Mignonctte, Mahogany, Satin Walnut, Quartered Oak. Compartments for 60 records. Other Colum! nolas from $25 to $500.* Easy terms. COLUMBIA GRAPHOPHONE COMPANY Box J270, Woolworth Building, New York Toronto: 365-367 Sorauren Ave. *Prices in Canada Plus Duty. Dealers wanted where we are not actively represented. Write for particulars. comicbooks.com