Life — May 3, 1923 — page 40: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a vintage advertisement for **Velvet hand-made cigarettes**. The image shows a man in casual attire (headband, light shirt) smoking a cigarette while holding what appears to be a small animal or mascot. The tagline reads: "Mild fine flavor smokes cool aged in wood—that's why." This is straightforward product advertising rather than political satire. The ad emphasizes the cigarette's mild flavor and cooling properties, attributing these qualities to wood-aging. The casual, relaxed presentation of the smoker was typical marketing strategy for cigarettes in early-to-mid 20th century advertising, before health warnings became mandatory. The "aged in wood" claim attempts to add sophistication and quality perception to the product.