Life, 1924-12-04 · page 71 of 72
Life — December 4, 1924 — page 71: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Christmas advertisement for Parker fountain pens**, not political satire. The page uses a marketing gimmick rather than satire: it claims that 34 newspaper "Inquiring Reporters" surveyed 2,024 people, who named Parker pens as their preferred gift choice more than any competitor. The appeal targets gift-givers by suggesting Parker Duofolds are the socially validated choice—endorsed by democratic polling rather than advertising alone. The product line offers tiered options: expensive "Oversize" models for men ($7), "Lady Duofold" for women ($5), and cheaper "Duofold Jr." for boys ($5), matching 1920s gender conventions. The "25-year point" guarantee frames the pen as a lasting investment—a "25-year Christmas"—appealing to practicality alongside sentiment. This is straightforward commercial advertising with no political cartoon content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
NOTHING CAN TAKE THE PLACE OF DUOFOLD QUALITY AT CHRISTMAS OVER-SIZE DUOFOLD PEN $7 + NEW “BIG BRO.” DUOFOLD PENCIL TO MATCH $4—Their First Christmas Together 34 “Inquiring Reporters” Settled the Gift Question for You When they found more people wanted the Parker Pens than any other make Yes, and a Parker Duofold with 25-year point will make this a 25-year Christmas for those to whom you give it Wwrar they told the “Inquiring Reporters” from 34 newspapers is the answer you ‘would get if you asked your friends and loved ones to name their Christmas gift. Out of 2024 people picked at random more named the “Parker” Pen than any other make when the reporters asked: “What pen will you buy next?” And there's no finer gesture of affection than to send these reigning favorites instead of trifles that have no permanent value. To the man give the $7 Oversize Duofold with the man-size grip, and the extra ink-supply that is just like money in the bank when needed. To the woman or girl give slender Lady Duofold, $5. To the boy give Duofold Jr., $5. Duofold pencil to match any one of the pens, $3.50. New “Big Bro.” Duofold Pencil, $4,a real mate for the Over-size Duofold Pen in build and finish. The first mechanical pencil with a bal- anced over-size grip that doesn't cramp or tire, but makesa friend of the hand the instant you grasp it. Satin-lined Gift Box De Luxe included with Duofold Pen and Pencil sets, called Parker Duofold Duertes. All Parker Duofold Pens are made in flashing plain black, as well as lacquer-red, black-tipped. All have the jewel-smooth Duofold point that's guaranteed, if not abused, for 25 years’ wear. All have the same hand fitting symmetry and balance that inspire writing, and give one’s penmanship the speed and character that win with the world. But don't be late in ordering from the first pen counter —else there may not be time to have your Duofolds engraved with the names of the lucky ‘ones who're to get them. THE PARKER PEN COMPANY - JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN NEWYORK + CHICAGO + SAN FRANCISCO SPOKANE * LONDON, ENG. THE PARKER FOUNTAIN PEN COMPANY, LTD., TORONTO, CANADA Lady Duofold Ribbon $1 extra comicbooks.com