Life, 1928-11-23 · page 35 of 36
Life — November 23, 1928 — page 35: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is not a cartoon or satire page—it's a full-page **advertisement for Parker Duofold De Luxe fountain pens**, positioned as a luxury Christmas gift. The page uses striking black-and-white design: a large central image of the pen itself, flanked by product boxes. The ad emphasizes prestige through appeals to craftsmanship ("36 years' experience, 47 improvements") and exclusivity (pearl-studded, jet-black design, lifetime guarantee). The "Modern Black and Pearl" headline and Christmas gift messaging target affluent consumers seeking status gifts. The extensive text about the pen's engineering and durability suggests fountain pens were still significant luxury purchases in this era (likely 1920s-1930s, based on style and pricing). There is no political or satirical content here—this is straightforward commercial advertising typical of *Life* magazine during the interwar period, when it carried substantial advertising alongside editorial content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Parker’s New $10 “Pen Duofold De Luxe Crystals of Pearl set in Jet-Black Permanite, Non-Breakable, and 28° lighter than rubber—gold- circled,gold-pointed—this new De Luxe offers the handsomest finish ever given toa fountain pen. Extra large point. Parker Pres- sureless Touch, And the entire pen is “Guaranteed Forever Against All Defects. 36 years’ experience, 47 improve- ments, 29 patents have contributed to the development of this master pen. Both the smartest and most effi- cient writing instrument Geo. S. Parker ever made. Have your dealer show it to you. Duofold De Luxe Duette, $11, $12.50, $15 Gift Bex included (ODERNE BLACK and Dy Ar wh Make It a (Christmas Unforgettable Give Duofold De Luxe This is a pen such as none of your family has ever owned before. It offers lifelong service, so is an ever-present present to remind the recipient of you. Compare it side-by-side with any other pen selling at this price, and you'll choose the Duofold De Luxe. Look for imprint, “Geo. S. Parker—DUOFOLD,” to be sure of the genuine. *To prove Parker Duofold is » pen of lifelong perfection, we offer to make good any detect pro vided complete pen is sent by owner direct to the factory with 10¢ for return postage and insurance. ‘Tue Parker Pen COMPANY * JaNesvitie, Wis. ° 3 AND SUBSIDIARIES! NEW YORK * BOSTON * CHICAGO * ATLANTA DALLAS * SAN FRANCISCO TORONTO, CANADA * LONDON, ENGLAND MEIDELBERO, CERMANY Senior size (maximum ink capacity), $10 Junior, $8.50; Juniorette or Lady, $7.50 Each with a lovely enameled metal case included Pencils to match, $3.50, $4 and $5 Parker Duofold De Luxe comicbooks.com