Life — March 16, 1916 — page 44: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a cigarette advertisement from Life magazine (March 16, 1916). The image shows a gloved hand holding two cigarette packages marked "CORK" within a circular frame against a dark background. The advertisement's text reads: "At good places you don't need to mention the name. Just ask for the best cigarette." This is a prestige marketing strategy—the implication being that the product is so well-known and respected that customers need only request "the best cigarette" rather than specify the brand name. The cork-tipped cigarettes are presented as a luxury item associated with refined venues and clientele. The advertisement relies on brand recognition and social status rather than explicit product identification.