Life, 1928-08-16 · page 2 of 48
Life — August 16, 1928 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It promotes Sheaffer's desk fountain pens through a full-page ad with ornamental borders. The ad targets affluent consumers, emphasizing luxury and writing quality. It claims desk fountain pens offer "downright joy" and superior craftsmanship compared to pocket pens. The text highlights Sheaffer's market leadership and the pen's reliability—"the ratchet-lock receiver is always at the handiest angle." Prices listed ($75 for special sets, $8.75 for regular models) indicate this was premium merchandise. The ornate decorative frame suggests sophistication appealing to educated, wealthy readers of *Life* magazine. No political satire or caricature appears here—this is straightforward commercial persuasion typical of early-to-mid 20th century advertising in quality publications.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
— a. tn Identify the Lifetime pen by this " white dot Have you experienced the “‘feel”’ of this desk fountain-pen? A pocket fountain-pen isa convenience. But this desk fountain-pen is ever a source of downright joy. It is built as a pen should be—shapely, balanced, elegant. Desk fountain-pens were originated by Sheaffer—and the Sheaffer pen leadership is today one of the most outstanding, of American successes. LIGHTEST to the touch is this time-saving, and dependable instrument. It almost furnishes a new form of sport for those who write. Speedy writin}—without halts!) And the ratchet-lock receiver is always at the handiest angle. It is the most luxurious pen equipment in the world. Get the “feel” of this desk fountain-pen. Special Lifetime® Desk Fountain-pen Set, illustrated above, $75. Regular Lifetime pen, $8.75 Lifetime Desk Fountain-pen Sets, $10 up. Others as low as $5 —_ - At better stores everywhere SHEAFFER'S _ PENS* PENCILS: SKR WW... SHEAFFER PEN COMPANY - FORT MADISON, IOWA, U.S.A. New York icaho ° San Francisco W. A. Sheaffer Pen Co. of Cornet, Ltd. + Toronto, ont 60-62 Front St., W. ‘Wellington, N. Z. + Sydney, Australia - London—199 Regent St. comicbooks.com