Life, 1928-08-30 · page 36 of 36
Life — August 30, 1928 — page 36: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **not a cartoon or satire**—it's a straightforward **product advertisement page** from Life magazine, likely from 1929. The page displays four Atwater Kent Radio models (40, 42, E-2 speaker, and 44) with photographs and promotional text. Each model emphasizes desirable features: the Model 40 boasts improved power and sensitivity; the Model 42 highlights reliability with no batteries needed; the E-2 speaker claims superior sound fidelity; and the Model 44 emphasizes durability and long-range reception. The ads reflect late 1920s consumer culture and radio's growing centrality to American homes. Notably, the Model 42 advertisement mentions "Atwater Kent Radio Hour—listen in!" suggesting the company sponsored popular programming. **For modern readers:** This represents how radio was marketed as cutting-edge home technology requiring ongoing model upgrades—similar to how smartphones or televisions are marketed today. The emphasis on reliability and performance indicates radio ownership was still novel enough to require reassurance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MODEL 40 ELECTRIC Model 40 proudly steps forth as 1929's successor to 1928's best seller—the famous Atwater Kent 37, now in 250,000 homes, More power, more sensitivity—a wider range of stations as you touch the FuLL- vision Dial. Volume control carries you smoothly through every gradation ‘of sound. Satin finished in tones of gold, bronze and brown. Uses si C. tubes and one rectifying tube. Without tubes, $77. Write for illustrated booklet of Atwater Kent Radio Arwarer Kent MODEL E 2 RADIO SPEAKER Make sure of the fidelity of your speaker—the voice of your receiving set. Atwater Kent speakers are known. as" Radio's truest voice.” This year they are offered in three sizes, Your choice is a matter of personal preference—the tone quality is uniform. Satin fin- ished in color combinations to match the appearance of Atwater Kent receivers, Models E, E-2 and E3, each $20, Prices slightly higher West of the Rockies Arwarer Kent RADIO MODEL 42 ELECTRIC No batteries to think about. No wondering whether your radio will work—it always works. No mistaking © a famous singer-zhe tone is pure, Model 42 has many a refinements in d@&ign—panelled corners, ball feet, a distinctively modern name plate on the gently crowned lid. Uses six A.C. tubes and one rectifying tube, with automatic line voltage control. Without tubes, $86. On the air—every Sunday night— Atwater Kent Radio Hour—tisten in} MODEL 44 ELECTRIC Into Atwater Kent Radio is built that sturdy lastingness which relieves 1,700,000 owners of annoyance and ser- vice fees. Model 44, extra-sensitive, extra-powerful, is of particular value where distance getting is essential or an inside antenna necessary. Uses seven A. C. tubes and one rectifying tube, with ‘automatic line voltage con- trol. Without tubes, $106, ATWATER KENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY 4753 Wissahickon Ave.’ A. Aswoter Kent, Pres. Philadelphia, Pa, comicbooks.com