Life, 1916-04-27 · page 35 of 44
Life — April 27, 1916 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not satire or political commentary**—it's a straightforward cigarette advertisement from Life magazine, likely from the 1920s-1930s based on styling and typography. The ad promotes Camel cigarettes by emphasizing product quality over marketing gimmicks. It explicitly tells consumers *not* to expect premiums or coupons (common sales tactics then), claiming the cigarette's inherent quality justifies its price. The "ten cent test" invites smokers to evaluate Camels against competitors on taste, coolness, and lack of aftertaste. The visual shows a hand holding two cigarette packages for direct comparison. The messaging targets "critical smokers" with appeals to sophistication and rational judgment rather than promotional rewards. **For modern readers:** This reflects pre-regulation tobacco advertising that made health/quality claims freely and marketed to mass audiences without age restrictions or health warnings—practices now illegal. The ad's tone assumes smoking is unremarkable and desirable.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Dorit look for premiums or ir + coupons, as the cost of —— ey Compare | | ee LEK] Camels with - : ae Fh. any cigarette : at any price! ym book: ed from dressed of wnso Real cigarette reasons why you'll prefer S a critical smoker you are asked to in- ‘ vest ten cents for a package of twenty Camels. Give them every tobacco test, every cigarette satisfaction test— quality, flavor, coolness; freedom from tongue-bite and throat-parch! Prove to yourself, also, that Camels do not leave any unpleasant cigaretty after-taste! Then, with a real understanding of what Camels can offer you, compare this expert blend of choice Turkish and choice Domestic tobaccos with any cigarette in the world at any price for absolute cigarette enjoy- ment; for the final word in cigarette con- tentment! Camel flavor is as new and enticing as it is refreshing and delightful. Cam IGARETTES ell It will appeal mightily to your very best cigarette judgment! You do not look for or expect coupons or premiums with Camels; you quickly ap- preciate that the value isin the cigarette! Camels are attractively mild, yet behind every smooth, mellow puff there is “body” that meets the most exacting demands, It is a fine thing to realize that you may smoke liberally without tiring your taste! Each package will increase your preference for Camels! Camels are sold eve a ”e strongly recommend this carton for the home or office supply or when you travel ‘herein scien- for 10c; or ten R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO., Winston-Salem, N. C. comicbooks.com