Life, 1928-09-06 · page 5 of 44
Life — September 6, 1928 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It's a Gorham silverware company ad promoting their "Etruscan" pattern flatware and serving pieces. The ad uses classical design heritage as a selling point—the text references how an early artist's seascape design inspired Etruscan artisans, was revived in England, and came to colonial America. Gorham is marketing their modern interpretation as timeless and durable sterling silver. The image shows an ornate spoon at top and six different knife/fork patterns at bottom, displaying design variety. The ad emphasizes quality craftsmanship and includes pricing for tea spoons ($7.75 for 6) and dessert pieces. This is straightforward product advertising using historical prestige rather than humor or political messaging.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ETRUSCAN THE INFLUENCE OF THE CLASSIC Grey, windswept seas breaking on the shore inspired an early artist. The beauty of his conception carried his design down through the ages. It was a favorite of the Etruscans. The brothers Adam revived it in England. Colonial silversmiths brought it to America. Today, given a new interpretation by the Gorham Master Craftsmen this same motive is the theme of their Etruscan pattern. Because of the ageless beauty that is its underlying charm, passing fads will not affect your fondness for this exquisite pattern. Etruscan will harmonize well with any home where simple beauty is the keynote. And, wrought of sterling silver by the Gorham Master Craftsmen, you know that even though it has the hardest use it will live almost forever. Your jeweler will gladly show you the standard Etruscan pieces as well as many others which make especially delight- ful gifts (Etruscan Tea Spoons, small $7.75 for 6, Dessert Knives $21.00 for 6, Dessert Forks, trade $20.00 for 6.) GORHAM PROVIDENCE, R. 1. @{GI@)_- NEW YORK, N. ¥. MEMBER OF THE STERLING SILVERSMITHS GUILD OF AMERICA “Whatever your taste — whatever your favorite period — you will find among Gorham's 27 patterns in Sterling a silver service to harmonize” EG AMERICA’S LEADING SILVERSMITHS FOR OVER 90 YEARS comicbooks.com