Life, 1925-07-09 · page 3 of 42
Life — July 9, 1925 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Ben Wade tobacco advertisement**, not political satire. The page depicts an elaborate table setting for "a man's party" featuring Ben Wade pipes and tobacco products alongside decorative items like books and ornamental vessels. The advertisement's humor relies on early 20th-century gender conventions: it positions pipe-smoking and tobacco as distinctly masculine pursuits suitable for entertaining male guests. The "threesome of Ben Wade pipes" and premium Virginia tobacco blends are presented as sophisticated host gifts. The caricatured face visible in the composition appears decorative rather than representing a specific political figure. The ad emphasizes Ben Wade tobacco's quality, claiming superiority through "four generations" of blending expertise. This is fundamentally **commercial messaging** leveraging period notions of masculinity and social status, not political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
s PON SOR ED ‘Ohe Table Is Set For a MAN’S PARTY! A threesome of Ben Wade pipes to choose from, Ben Wade tobacco so mellow and fra- day on; no bitter, biting “breaking in,” ‘And Ben Wade t isn't like other tobacco, The finest Virginia tobaccos and the blending knowledge of four generations combine to create six smoking mixtures of grant, something tinkling ina tall glass,a book that grips—that’s a man’s party for you. But no matter how gripping the book you'll never let your pipe go outin this case— because the smoking’s too good to Ict go of. Ben Wade pipes aren't like other pipes rare flavor and aroma. this peerless pair. Ask your nearest tobacconist. If he cannot supply you, just FREE, om request —they're sweet and old from the first write to Hargraft & Sons —a cctaleg show ng the 73 shapes at 308 Mediene Ave, New Yert, NY. . $5.09. Vol 85. se Pont «te ASU. STAT Boacted cn SSSEST TSG estes al the Reet Ga Denk Bogiaca Ud briush Pecoeastons comicbooks.com