Life, 1926-04-01 · page 4 of 46
Life — April 1, 1926 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising, not political satire**. It's a Sheaffer fountain pen advertisement from the early 20th century (Life magazine). The ad features an ornate decorative border and shows two Sheaffer pens positioned over a classical profile portrait (likely representing quality/refinement). The text emphasizes the pen's durability and craftsmanship, comparing it to traditional cameo-cutting artisans. The key marketing message: Sheaffer guarantees this pen "for a lifetime" because it's made from Radite, a purportedly indestructible material. The pricing shown suggests middle-to-upper-class consumers as the target market. There is no political cartoon or social commentary here—just period product marketing emphasizing permanence, beauty, and reliability as selling points.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Here’s why we guarantee this fountain pen for a lifetime The fine old craftsmen who used to cut the exquisite cameos which we are now proud to hand down as heirlooms, were inspired by exactly the same spirit that goes into the making, of this remarkable pen. It is the product of infinite pains. And as such it is an infallible performer, and a thing of real beauty. Like its twin, the Titan pencil, it is made of Radite, a new jewel-like material of handsome jade-reen, that is practically indestructible. And that is why it can be guaranteed, without condition, for a lifetime. Its first cost is its last cost—alw “Lifetime” pen, $8.75—pencil, $4.25 —Lady "Lifetime," $7.50—Auaranteed At better stores everywhere Rte PENS> PENCILS: SKR W. A SHEAFFER PEN COMPANY FORT MADISON. IOWA comicbooks.com