Life, 1928-11-16 · page 44 of 44
Life — November 16, 1928 — page 44: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a straightforward **product advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It promotes the Atwater Kent Model 52 radio, marketed as "the new idea in radio" for 1929. The pitch emphasizes convenience and compact design: only 30 inches high, fitting into small spaces and corners. The ad highlights the integrated all-electric design (receiver and speaker combined), quality construction (294 manufacturing tests), and broad appeal (already in 2,000,000 homes). The accompanying photograph shows the radio's elegant cabinet design in an interior setting. The small decorative illustrations of a fish and plant are typical period design flourishes. The radio's $117 price is positioned as affordable due to the manufacturer's large factory capacity. An on-air promotion—the "Atwater Kent Radio Hour" Sunday nights—encouraged listeners to experience the product's sound quality firsthand. This represents 1920s consumer advertising targeting middle-class households during the radio boom era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Arwatrer Kenr ‘ THE NEW IDEA IN RADIO v All In One, But Only 30 Inches High OW Atwater Kent brings receiver and speaker together in the all-electric 1929 set—in a trim and beautiful cabinet that will look well wherever you place it. Only 30 inches high, 11 inches deep, 18 inches wide. Just the compact size that makes you say "How convenient!” It fits cosily into any small space —slips into corners where nothing else would do. Suit yourself as to position. Against a wall, if you like—but there are no restrictions; Model 52 is satin-finished on all four sides and the music comes through a speaker grille at the back as well as the front. Use the top as a small table if you wish. And how you will enjoy listening! Do listen—at an Atwater Kent dealer’s. Words cannot describe the purity and depth of tone, the ease of selecting programs with the Futt-vision Dial, the constant entertainment such a modern radio brings. Atwater Kent makes every part, matches them all for har- monious action, puts every Model 52 through 294 tests or inspections during manufacture, to make sure it is worthy. The demand for Atwater Kent Radio (now in 2,000,000 homes) —the facilities of the largest factory—make the price low. On the air—every Sunday night— Atwater Kent Radio Hour —listen in! Write tor illustrated booklet of Atwater Kent Radio ATWATER KENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY 4753 Wissahickon Avenue A. Atwater Kent, Pres. _ Philadelphia, Pa. Mopet 52. This all-electric set com- bines receiver and speaker in a satin- finished shielding cabinet only 30 in- ches high. Without tubes, $117, Prices slightly higher west of the Rockies. . comicbooks.com