Life, 1917-01-18 · page 2 of 40
Life — January 18, 1917 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily an **advertisement for Richmond Straight Cut Cigarettes**, not political satire. The large illustration depicts a formal social gathering—likely a ball or reception—where gentlemen in evening wear present cigarette packages to well-dressed ladies and guests. The accompanying text emphasizes the product's quality: "finest...bright, golden Virginia tobacco" with "refinement and delicacy of flavor." The tagline "PREFERRED BY GENTLEMEN NOW AS THEN" suggests the brand's established reputation. The illustration's satirical element appears gentle: it depicts cigarettes as a prestigious gift worthy of formal social occasions, appealing to upper-class masculinity. The price (fifteen cents) and packaging details support this is straightforward product marketing rather than political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
est Otte at New ork. N. Was Second Chas Mall Mase J a8 Second Class Matter at the Post Ofice Department, Canada” Copyright (a Englaad aad the British Possessions, “... His first visit to the States, the distinguished guest expressed no little delight at the excellence of our Virginia Cigarettes...” There is something appealing even in attractive tins, 50 for 40 cents; 100 about their prim, old-fashioned pack- for 75 cents. These larger packages age. It hints of the honest thorough- will be sent prepaid on receipt of ness with which every Richmond priceif your dealer cannot supply you. Straight Cut Cigarette has been made Mine Geekery armamaiin for over two generations. Containing nothing but the finest ; «-bright,”’ golden Virginia tobacco— = r FIFTEEN they have a refinement and delicacy ‘ = = of flavor not to be found in any other cigarette. Besides the regular package shown here, these cigarettes are also packed PREFERRED BY GENTLEMEN NOW AS THEN comicbooks.com