Life, 1925-12-25 · page 4 of 37
Life — December 25, 1925 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **not a political cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward advertisement for Phoenix Hosiery socks, specifically their "Number 284" product. The content explains to readers why this particular silk sock is durable. The text describes three reinforced areas (toe, heel, sole) that extend the sock's lifespan. The diagram on the right labels these reinforcement zones as "TIFF HEEL," "TIFF TOE," and "EXTRA MILEAGE FOOT." The advertisement emphasizes durability and comfort while noting the sock costs 75 cents everywhere. The "aristocratic number of 284" is simply a brand identifier and marketing point. **This is period advertising, not editorial satire or commentary.** Life magazine regularly featured full-page ads alongside its satirical content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
4 S SENNA UNI, VAINLY CONCERNING THE LIFE OF A “HE-MAN’S” SOCK : Zissisciaci Sei Sawa aaa Scesiecioss UMBER 284, the famous | number 284—to the thought : ful man it must be one of the real 8 wonders of the world that this : fine silk sock can so long with- stand the stress and strain of this hard-paved and strenuous age. N (2) At the heel, where the top Number 284. N of the shoe rubs most, the same happy result is insured by ingen- ious and hidden strengthening. Zineibe! ina SSS Stouter foot-covering! One secret: of this remarkable evolution in 3 hosiery-making lies in the skillful (3) On the sole, the extra mile- reinforcement of this sock at the age foot has achieved new records three places where strength is of wearability, while giving more most needed, at the toe, at the foot comfort—smoother support. heel and on the sole. Sing aaececsceeeseces RoI RATIO And since 75 cents is the price (1) At the toe, where it stubs, you pay everywhere for this long- we have woven fine strands that 3 mileage silk sock that bears the are virtually invisible, yet add tre- aristocratic number of 284, it logi- mendously to the life of the sock. 3 cally follows that Phoenix leads a ail Ny EN PHOENIX HOSIERY comicbooks.com