Life, 1916-06-29 · page 31 of 41
Life — June 29, 1916 — page 31: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Silvertown Cord Tire advertisement** from Life magazine (circa 1910-1916), not political satire. The "pedigree" conceit humorously traces tire lineage through Goodrich's product evolution: bicycle tires (1892), airplane tires (1911), motorcycle tires, and automobile tires, culminating in the superior "Silvertown Cord" model. The aristocratic imagery—including a noble woman holding a torch at the top—sarcastically elevates tire genealogy to match human "blue blood" lineage. The advertisement emphasizes cord construction (individual strands capable of lifting a man's weight) versus threaded construction, promising superior durability, fuel efficiency (25% savings), and a cushioned ride ("Roads of Velvet"). It lists prestigious car brands—Franklin, Pierce-Arrow, Stanley—as standard equipment users to reinforce quality through association. The satire gently mocks excessive marketing claims while effectively selling the product through wit rather than straightforward promotion.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ted fro ears Anno Domini 1892-1913, 1910-1916 The Pedigreed Descended from the world's most aristocratic family of Tires! Directly from Palmer-Goodrich ancestors,—“ Thread-Fabric” Speed —in the following order: —The Goodrich “Palmer-Bicycle” Tire,—1892 to 1916. —The Goodrich “Palmer-Aeroplane” Tire,—1911 to 1916. —The Goodrich “Palmer-Motor-Cycle” Tire,—in 1911. —The Goodrich “Palmer-Web” Automobile Tire,—1906_to 1913. ‘The Goodrich “Silvertown-Cord” Tire,—1910 to 1916. —lIn all this Breed of Tires the strain ran true,—each generation being distinguished for maximum Speed, Resilie! Far-Coasting, Power-saving and,—in the Motor field,—wonderful Fuel-saving. But, “the Flower of the Flock” is the Silvertown Cord Tire. In this alone has been developed the great strength of actual and individual CORDS,—~as contrasted with “Threads.’* These giant Cords,—each capable of lifting a man’s weight,—are what now give the marvellous ENDURANCE, and multiplied Mileage, to that famous strain of fleet-winged Tires, bred up (through Goodrich perfecting of the “Palmer-principle”) to the SILVERTOWN CORD apex. So, it comes to pass, that Motor-Cars when equipped with “Silvertown Cord” Tires have not only distinguished bearing, but also obtain about 17( increase in Net-Power from the same Motor. This, with a Saving on Gasolene of about 25%, per mile, which soon pays for the higher cost of these bona-fide CORD Tires. There is a Juxurious sensation in riding over “ Roads of Velvet,” on these highly-developed Tires that absorb all minor vibrations, super-cushioning each urbing contact with ruts or obstacles on the road. Silvertown Cord Tires are not “plentiful,"—but can now be had through Goodrich Dealers and Goodrich Branches. Silvertown O F noble lineage,—these Silvertowns! Cord Tires Silvertown Tires are Standard Equipment on the following Cars: GASOLENE CARS —FRANKLIN —LOCOMOBILE (Optional) —McFARLAN —NORDYKE & MARMON —OWEN MAGNETIC —PEUGEOT —PIERCE-ARROW —SIMPLEX —STANLEY (Touring) —STUTZ (Bull-dog) —WHITE ELECTRIC CARS —ANDERSON ELECTRIC —BAKER ELECTRIC —RAUCH & LANG —OHIO ELECTRIC tc., Etc, THE B. F.GOODRICH CO. Akron, O. “Straight-Side" as well asin "Clincher" Type Made with Silvertown Safety-Tread as well as Silvertown Ribbed-Tread 7 5e 52 se/ comicbooks.com