More proof of how purchasing the correct product can lead to Romance! You might even snag European Royalty!

This circa 1870s cartoon advertisement for Van Buskirk’s Fragrant Sozodont tooth wash, was illustrated by comic artist Gray Parker, known for his depictions of social life amongst New York City’s aristocracy, of which he was a member. He continued to create cartoons more than a decade after this ad, strongly hinting he suffered no retributions for helping to promote a product whose effects were reputedly the opposite of whitening teeth…

Part 2 of this week’s Valentine’s Day tribute to the commercialization of Love.

Doug Wheeler

ValentinesDay AdvertisingStrips