Museum Collections
Luce Center
Hip flask
Object Number:
1937.177
Date:
1907-1925
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
Overall: 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 1 1/8 in. ( 15.9 x 10.8 x 2.9 cm )
Silver Weight: 9 oz (troy) 14 dwt (302 g)
Marks:
cast: "G A Z" are applied to the center of the body
stamped: on the base: "TIFFANY & Co 19579 MAKERS 4394 STERLING SILVER 925-1000 M"
Description:
Cast and seamed silver hip flask; c-shaped body with straight sides and rounded edges, seamed down the sides; hinged, cylindrical screw cap with a flat circular finial; the gilt initials, "G A Z" are applied to the center of the body; makers' marks stamped on the base.
Gallery Label:
This sterling silver hip flask belonged to George Albert Zabriskie (1869-1954), a food industry executive, an officer of the United States Food Administration and Sugar Equalization boards, and, from 1939 to 1947, the Historical Society's twenty-second president. Zabriskie served as an officer of the Moderation League, one of several "wet" advocacy groups, and was actively involved in the anti-prohibition movement, of which this hip flask may have been a personal statement. Hip flasks, in fact, became a particular focus of prohibitionists, as they were perceived as symbols of public intoxication and promiscuity. In New York, the ban on hip flasks became a veritable war. In 1922 the New York Times reported, "Uncle Sam Starts War on Hip Flasks: Broadway Resorts Warned by Squad that Diners Must Not Bring Liquor In."
Credit Line:
Gift of George A. Zabriskie
Provenance:
Belonged to George A. Zabriskie (1869-1954), the donor.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.