Life, 1915-04-08 · page 33 of 44
Life — April 8, 1915 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The page contains a full-page ad for "Nobby Tread" tires by United States Tire Company. The two tire cross-sections at top visually demonstrate the product's claimed advantage: thicker tread than competitors. The advertisement's pitch targets early-automobile owners by appealing to "business basis" purchasing—emphasizing practical economy through durability and reduced punctures (claimed 90% fewer than average tires). The 5,000-mile warranty was apparently a notable selling point. This reflects the early 1900s automotive market when tire quality varied significantly and motorists were learning to evaluate durability over initial cost. The ad ran in *Life* magazine, which accepted advertisements alongside satirical content. There is no cartoon or joke here—simply a manufacturer's promotional claims about tire thickness, longevity, and value.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE: Nobby Reg. U. S, Pat. Office Much Thicker Tires You get out of a tire in real wear just what the manufacturer puts into the tire. Actual measurements of cross-sections of the leading makes of rough tread and smooth tread tires prove that the tread of “Nobby Tread” Tires is very much thicker than other tires. This unusual extra thickness, in addition to the extra thick, strong shoe underneath, means just so much more real tire wear. This is one of the reasons why experts call “Nobby Treads” Business Basis Tires Automobile owners everywhere are rapidly learning to buy tires on a real business basis, viz.—the basis of ultimate economy. And remember this—investigations prove that with “Nobby Tread” Tires punctures are 90% less than with the average tire. —_ These are the reasons why “Nobby Tread” Tires are today the largest selling high-grade anti-skid tires in the world. Based upon their remarkable mileage records, “Nobby Tread” Tires SSS are now sold under our regular warranty—perfect workmanship and material—BUT any adjustments are on a = 5,000 Miles Thousands upon thousands of veteran motorists now use “Nobby Tread” Tires on their front and rear wheels through all seasons, because they give real anti-skid protection and the lowest cost per mile. United States Tire Compan NOTE THIS:—Dealers who sell UNITED STATES TIRES sell the best of everything.