Life — December 7, 1916 — page 75: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a Christmas-themed advertisement rather than political satire. It showcases "Our Hampshire Bond" stationery products from Hampshire Paper Co. (South Hadley Falls, Mass.). The image displays elegant writing materials—boxed stationery sets and a handwritten note dated "Dec 23 1916"—arranged artfully with ribbon and tissue paper as a gift presentation. The handwritten note serves as a testimonial, praising the stationery's quality for correspondence. The ad's appeal targets middle-class consumers seeking refined writing materials as Christmas gifts, emphasizing both the product's aesthetic appeal and its practical value for personal communication. The vintage handwriting and packaging reflect early 20th-century standards for quality correspondence materials.