Life, 1925-07-23 · page 2 of 36
Life — July 23, 1925 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Sheaffer pen advertisement**, not a political cartoon. The page promotes three fountain pen models (Cardinal, Jade Lifetime, and Robe) displayed against a stylized cityscape skyline. The ornamental border and elegant layout are characteristic of 1920s-1930s advertising design. The ad's central conceit is a pun: "This towering achievement in Pen-dom means better writing tools for you." The skyscraper imagery metaphorically elevates the pens as prestigious products. The text emphasizes Sheaffer's "outstanding quality and tenacious serviceability" and highlights Radite, a new material described as durable yet lighter than traditional materials. There is **no political satire** here—this is straightforward commercial advertising from Life magazine's business pages.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
This towering achievement in Pen-dom means better writing tools for you The significant success of these remarkable instru- ments has been made possible because the American public quickly responded to the appeal of outstand- ing quality and tenacious serviceability. A record- making, trio—salient points in a commandin}, line. Sheaffer's pens and pencils are made in a range of styles to meet every writin}, need. And a truly great triumph is the new material, Radite, akin to the enduring, rock but far lighter in weight and more lovely in color. With barrel of jewel-like Radite and backed by an unlimited guarantee of nib, Sheaffer's jade Lifetime pen is now the sensa- tion of Pen-dom, its success attested by record sales. At better stores everywhere SHEAFFER'S PENS*PENCILS*SKR 'W.A SHEAFFER PEN COMPANY FORT MADISON, IOWA comicbooks.com