Life, 1928-11-09 · page 33 of 52
Life — November 9, 1928 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is a commercial advertisement for Gorham silverware, not political commentary or satire. It promotes the "Cinderella" pattern of sterling silver tableware, marketed specifically to brides. The ad uses the Cinderella fairy tale metaphorically—comparing the "magical transformation" of silver into elegant flatware to Cinderella's own transformation. The imagery shows decorative spoons and forks featuring ornamental handles. The appeal is aspirational: brides are told this pattern represents both "Renaissance dignity" and "modern style," positioning it as a prestigious yet reasonably priced choice for those wanting "the world's finest things." The Gorham company emphasizes its 90+ year heritage and guild membership to establish credibility. This reflects mid-20th century wedding culture, when elaborate silver flatware services were considered essential bridal registry items.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CA fevorile fouttern of the modern bride Cinderella’s magical transformation is no more wonderful than the artistry with which the Gorham Master Craftsmen transformed sterling silver into the exquisite tableware that bears her name. And because it so subtly expresses the glorious spirit of youth, brides choose it almost instinctively for their own. Its very name is a fitting symbol of the ancient story that never grows old. Delicate, and very lovely, Cinderella happily combines the rich dignity of the Renaissance with a fresh modern style of treatment that is very new. A pattern that has become the natural choice of those who desire the world’s finest things. Your jeweler will gladly show you Cinderella—a complete service in sterling. You will find it very moderately priced for so handsome a pattern. The Teaspoons are $9.50 for six; Dessert Knives $21.00 for six; Dessert Forks $20.00 for six. GORHAM PROVIDENCE, R. I. NEW YORK, N. Y. 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’ AMERICA’S LEADING SILVERSMITHS FOR OVER 90 YEARS comicbooks.com