Life — August 20, 1925 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a cartoon or satire page** — it's a **straightforward advertisement** for Sheaffer writing instruments from the W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company (Fort Madison, Iowa). The ad promotes three products: the "Lifetime" pen ($8.75), the "Lifetime" pencil ($4.25) called "Titan" (described as an extra-large classic pencil), and a "Student Lifetime" pen ($7.50). The decorative ornamental border and formal layout are typical of early 20th-century advertising design. The text emphasizes the products' durability ("practically indestructible radite material") and aesthetic appeal. There is no political or social satire here — merely vintage commercial promotion for premium writing tools.