Life, 1924-01-31 · page 3 of 36
Life — January 31, 1924 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not satirical content. It's a direct-mail offer from National Music Lovers, Inc. for sixteen grand opera selections on eight 10-inch records. The advertisement uses a marketing hook—asking readers to guess the value of these recordings before revealing an "astonishing" price. The copy emphasizes that these are brand-new, guaranteed quality records normally selling for three dollars each, now offered at a bargain rate. The decorative element at top shows a phonograph record, establishing the product visually. The extensive text below lists opera selections (Aida, Lucia, Faust, etc.) and includes a mail-in coupon with a free examination offer—standard direct-marketing tactics of the era. This reflects mid-20th-century record-selling practices targeting opera enthusiasts.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
* How much would you guess these sixteen wonderful songs from grand opera are worth ? What would you consider the most remarkable bargain in phonograph records ever offered? How much would you gladly pay for all SIXTEEN of these famous songs, complete, from GRAND OPERA-the world’s most beadtiful music—selections that sell in some cases for THREE DOL- LARS EACH! Every record is 10-inch size, BRAND NEW and GUARANTEED of as fine quality as any records made, at any price! Make your estimate of what a real bargain price would be, then read below what the actual price is, and how this astonishing offer can be made. Here is the list, sixteen selections on eight 10-inch double-face records Celeste Aida—Aida Sextette—Lucta Vesti la Giubba—t Pagtiace! 1 Dreamt 1 Dwelt in Marble Halls—Bohe- 1a Donna ¢ Mobile—Rigoletto mian Girt Soldiers’ Chorus — Faust that Verdi ~ Medley—Pinafore Caro Nome Anrt! Chorus Il Trovatore Mabanera—Carmen Barearolle—Tales of Hoffmann The rhythm and beauty of this enchanting melody appeal I who hear Its ex passages Medley —Mikad: Quartette—Rigoletto ; . 8 “Rigoletto” never tails to draw crowded Dees at all theatres whenever p Now Note the Price—And Free Examination Offer Dept. 1961, 354 Fourth Ave., New York City But it nd me your collection of “16 World-Famous Oper he oy National Musi ra, Joe, manufactures in SETS ONLY and | S£fival. This Is net to be considered 8 ee sells DIRECT Pt 3HAP Say time within 10 dase end you will refund my money at once therefore, saves the 4 Name Address ve ost man $2.98 plus the J Ty Tite RECORDS. If you are not you are disappointed in the sligh SEND THE SET BACK and every penny 3c Jnded AT ONCE, without question, NATIONAL MUSIC LOVERS, Inc. Dept. 1961, 354 Fourth Ave. comicbooks.com