Frame Size (H x L): 14.5” x 19.5”
Armband Size (H x L): 6” x 11”  

Offered is an antique “REPEAL THE 18th.” Armband, supporting the repeal of the prohibition and dating to 1932.  The field is made of blue felted wool, and its edges are outlined with red stitching.  The “REPEAL” is embroidered into place with white stitching, and “THE 18TH.” is embroidered into place with red stitching.      

Three similar examples to this armband are documented in the Threads of History, written by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, as entries 1076-1078.   Entry 1076 is a “REPEAL & ROOSEVELT” armband, entry 1077 is a “ROOSEVELT & GARNER” armband, and Entry 1078 is a “REPEAL 18th AMENDMENT” armband.  Mr. Collins was the curator of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian Institute.  His book is the best reference available for political textile collectors and includes over 1500 examples, dating from 1775 to 1979.     

The 18th Amendment was ratified on January 29th, 1919, and stated the following:

Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all the territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.

The National Prohibition Act was enacted to carry out the 18th Amendment’s intent.  Wayne Wheeler of the Anti-Saloon League drafted the bill, and in it, he clarified the meaning of “intoxicating liquors” and provided penalties associated with the 18th Amendment.  The National Prohibition Act is often times referred to as the Volstead Act, named after Andrew Volstead who managed the legislation and who was the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. 

The 18th Amendment and the National Prohibition Act were repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment.  Some states continued statewide prohibition after 1933, but by 1966, every state had abandoned their prohibition efforts.  Since then, alcohol controls have been managed at the local level.         

Conservation Process: This armband 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 armband, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The armband is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in our Medium Distressed Black Frame.      

Condition Report: This armband is in excellent condition.    

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1932