Frame Size (H x W): 12” x 7”
Ribbon Size (H x W): 6.5” x 1.5” 

Offered is a narrow, vertically oriented silk ribbon that features bold, black text printed along its length. The text reads: "I AM AGAINST PROHIBITION," with the words stacked on top of each other in a clear and straightforward font. The text "PROHIBITION" is displayed vertically along the right side of the ribbon, while the rest of the phrase is printed in a standard horizontal orientation. It was likely worn as a statement during the Prohibition era.  

At the bottom of the ribbon, there is a small emblem or design that resembles a leaf or badge with the number "4" printed just above it. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact significance of the leaf or badge and the number "4," but they may indicate an affiliation with a specific group or chapter opposing Prohibition.

The ribbon represents a stance against one of the most contentious social experiments in U.S. history: the Prohibition era. This period, from 1920 to 1933, was marked by the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, enacted through the Volstead Act, was largely driven by a powerful temperance movement that had grown in strength during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Advocates for Prohibition believed that alcohol was the root cause of many societal problems, such as crime, domestic violence, and poverty. While the movement was led by groups like the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (“WCTU”), not all Americans were on board with the idea of banning alcohol.

Opposition to Prohibition grew for various reasons, and the ribbon reflects the sentiment of individuals who viewed the ban as an overreach of government power. Many believed that it infringed on personal liberties and led to unintended consequences. Instead of curbing alcohol consumption, Prohibition fueled the rise of illegal bootlegging operations and speakeasies, where alcohol was secretly sold. Organized crime syndicates, such as those led by Al Capone, capitalized on this illicit market, and violence between rival gangs increased as they fought for control of the lucrative black market. For many, the "Noble Experiment," as Prohibition was called by its supporters, became a symbol of government failure to effectively regulate personal behavior.

The economic impact of Prohibition also became a significant point of contention. The alcohol industry was a major source of tax revenue for both federal and state governments, and its elimination led to a significant loss of funds. As the Great Depression hit in 1929, many began to question whether the country could afford to continue enforcing Prohibition, especially as the cost of enforcing the law rose and the social costs of crime spiraled. Moreover, public demand for legal alcohol remained strong, leading to widespread disregard for the law and a growing movement for its repeal.

By the early 1930s, a broad coalition of groups advocating for the end of Prohibition had emerged. These included both moderates who favored legal regulation of alcohol and others, like those represented by the ribbon, who were firmly against the law altogether. Public opinion had shifted significantly, with many now recognizing that Prohibition had failed to eliminate alcohol use and had instead fostered corruption and lawlessness. The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, who campaigned in part on a platform of repealing Prohibition, marked a turning point. In 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition.

This ribbon, therefore, ties directly to the social and political battle over alcohol regulation in the United States. It symbolizes the frustration and defiance of those who believed that Prohibition had caused more harm than good. The movement to repeal the 18th Amendment was not simply about restoring access to alcohol; it was also about restoring personal freedoms and correcting what many viewed as a misguided and damaging experiment in moral legislation.
 
Conservation Process: This ribbon was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the ribbon, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The ribbon is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The frame is multitiered with an outer walnut layer and an inner gilded layer.  It dates to between 1860 and 1890. 

Condition Report: While the ribbon remains in generally good condition with clear text, there are a couple of visible stains. A small black mark can be seen above the wording, and a brown stain is present to the right.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and as Gifts  
Date of Origin: 1920-1933