Life, 1919-04-24 · page 2 of 46
Life — April 24, 1919 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **Michelin Tire advertisement**, not political satire. The page promotes Michelin's "Ring-Shaped Tube" design by claiming superior toughness compared to ordinary tubes. The advertisement uses a comparative visual demonstration: two cross-section images showing a Michelin tube (left, smooth surface) versus an ordinary tube (right, visibly cut/damaged). The text challenges readers to test this themselves—attempting to cut old Michelin tubes with a knife, claiming they'll find it "almost impossible." The small Michelin mascot (Bibendum) appears at bottom right. This is straightforward product marketing emphasizing durability as a selling point to "experienced motorists," not satire or political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
UN at Be Poet Oa OU Siarch Mo, Tee New, Michelin Ring-Shaped Tobe Do you know Hes why Michelin j =) Tubes are so free } é from cuts like thes @ Many experienced motorists use Michelin Tubes because they have noticed that small stones and particles of dirt which get inside tires do not cut Michelin Tubes as they do other makes. This superiority of Michelin Tubes is due to their unequalled toughness— which you can test for yourself by cutting such old tubes as you may have or can borrow from your tire dealer. You will find Michelin Tubes far more difficult to cut than other makes. In fact, you will find it almost impossible to cut Michelin Tubes even with a sharp knife. This superior toughness is one of several reasons why Michelin Tubes give the unequalled service that has made them the choice of the great majority of motorists. MICHELIN TIRE CO., Milltown, N. J. Michelin Tire Co. of Canoda, Limited, 782 St. Catherine Street, W., Montreal. Dealers in all parts of the world