Life, 1917-10-04 · page 33 of 44
Life — October 4, 1917 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **phonograph advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Brunswick phonographs in Life magazine (circa 1920s, based on styling). **The pitch:** Brunswick phonographs play records from any manufacturer—a significant selling point when record players were format-specific. The ad emphasizes that Brunswick includes two reproducers (needles/cartridges), allowing compatibility with both standard records and Pathé Records, which were previously incompatible with many home players. **Key marketing claims:** - Superior tone quality ("all-wood sound chamber built like a violin") - Universal compatibility across record brands - Home demonstration available - Competitive pricing **The scene** shows what appears to be a home demonstration or social gathering where a family listens to the phonograph—standard advertising imagery of the era depicting technology as enhancing domestic life. This reflects early 20th-century consumer competition in emerging entertainment technology, before standardization. The ad's emphasis on playing "any make" reveals how fragmented the market was.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Plays All Records Any Make Yet Costs No More With each Brunswick come two reproducers. any needle, play any record. You are not limited. One reproducer is for the world-famous Pathe Records hitherto barred from many homes. Pathe, as you know, is one of the greatest record mah Some of the foremost singe ns perform eo clusively for Pathe. Not only American artists, but the famed ones of Europ It does not take a trained ear to appreciate the superiority of The Brunswick’s ton The all-wood sound chamber is built like a violin. The tone is soft and natural—never metallic nor harsh. Once you hear this instrument you'll have a new appre- ciation of phonographic art. is made by The House of Brunswick, famous ars for its fine cabinet work. today—before you decide on any instrument. Have it sent to your home for tone demonstration. Note also the price advantage. Then judge. You will be glad you chose a Brunswick. The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. Chicago San Francisco New York Cincinnati ftable plan with all the sales details comicbooks.com