Life, 1928-06-07 · page 54 of 54
Life — June 7, 1928 — page 54: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **silverware advertisement**, not political satire. Gorham, a major American silver manufacturer, markets their "King Albert" pattern flatware by claiming King Albert of Belgium admired and endorsed the design's "regal simplicity." The page uses royal prestige as a sales tool—the headline "A KING PAID HOMAGE TO THIS PATTERN" suggests that having a European monarch's approval validates the product for American consumers seeking refined taste. This appeals to middle-class aspirations for elegance and sophistication. The text emphasizes the pattern's "Colonial motif," linking it to American heritage while leveraging foreign royal endorsement. It's a straightforward commercial strategy: associate the product with both American tradition and European aristocratic refinement to attract "Discriminating Americans." There is **no cartoon or satire here**—this is a straight advertisement using celebrity/royal endorsement as marketing.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ye Albert, King of the Belgians, saw the sterling silver service later to bear his name, its regal simplicity and rare charm brought forth his warmest admiration. Discriminating Americans have given it enthusiastic patronage. Its contour is graceful. High lights and shadows make striking play on its deftly manipulated surface. Like a lovely painting, like any fine work of art, you will find its charm growing with the years. An exquisite modern example of the age-old art of the craftsman in precious metals. Based on a Colonial motif, Gorham A KING PAID HOMAGE TO THIS PATTERN recommends King Albert especially for the Colonial or Georgian home or apartment. It is produced in sterling silver in complete dinner sets, tea sets, coffee services by the Gorham Master Craftsmen—and it is but one of the 27 Gorham patterns with which your jeweler can supply you. (Teaspoons, $9.50 for six. Dessert Knives, $20 for six. Dessert Forks, $20 for six.) GORHAM PROVIDENCE, R. L NEW YORK, N.Y MEMBER OF THE STERLING SILVERSMITHS GUILD OF AMERICA AMERICA’S LEADING SILVER SMITHS FOR OVER 90 YEARS comicbooks.com