Life, 1915-11-18 · page 6 of 52
Life — November 18, 1915 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a cartoon or satire** — it's a straightforward advertisement for Reed & Barton, a silverware and jewelry retailer established in 1824. The image shows an open jewelry chest displaying silver items and goods across multiple drawers. The ad targets brides-to-be, arguing that a silver chest is as essential as a wedding ring. It emphasizes that silver serves dual purposes: as a sentimental symbol and as functional tableware that will endure "through generations both physically and in artistic appeal." The copy also notes Reed & Barton's competitive pricing on luxury goods (gold jewelry, precious stones, watches), positioning the store as offering superior taste without premium costs. This represents typical early-20th-century marketing aimed at affluent women contemplating marriage and household management.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ne bride elect requires.a chest of silver as she does a wedding ring. As Py, the ring is the symbol of sentiment.so the silver is both the symbol and means of gracious household service. _ Reed & Barton silver should be chosen, because of its consummate art and its perfect utility. It endures through generations both physically and in artis- tic appeal. Beside the profusion of silverware, the Reed & Barton stores contain a really se lected stock of gold jewelry, precious stones and watches. Such articles do not cost more at our stores than elsewhere. Reed & Barton supremacy is a matter of taste and discrimination and does not add to the cost. < REED & BARTON » ESTABLISHED 1894 Fifth Avenue & 32% Street 4 Maiden Lane Sterling Silver, Diamonds, Sold Jo elry. Clocks. Watches Leather Yoods, Stationery, Canes, Umbrellas comicbooks.com