Lot 212

1928 Prohibition Photo of Alcohol Contraband, Likely Used as Evidence!

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1928 Prohibition Photo of Alcohol Contraband, Likely Used as Evidence!

Estimate: $200 - $300

Current Bid: $70

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Prohibition
n.p., July 3, 1928
1928 Prohibition Photo of Alcohol Contraband, Likely Used as Evidence!
Photograph

A vintage gelatin silver photograph showing an enormous Prohibition cache of illegal alcohol, almost certainly confiscated, with the photograph likely serving as prosecutorial evidence. July 3, 1928. N.p. The sepia-colored photograph shows a veritable wall of stacked wooden crates and two wicker bottles, with markings at lower right and lower center indicating "Lot 31" and "Lot 65." Hand-stamped verso as "Jul 3 - 1928." Inscribed in pencil (later crossed-out) and blue colored pencil as "Ships / Coal Harbor / Cargo" and "Liquor." Expected wear including isolated scuffs, wrinkles, and corner loss. Toning, fly-specking, and isolated water-stains verso. Gentle curling. Else very good. 8.875" x 12.125".

The liquor seen in the photograph consisted of varieties of Scotch Whisky and Guinness' Stout, manufactured by Dewar's (Scotland), Johnnie Walker (Scotland), John Dunbar & Co. (Glasgow & London), E. & J. Burke (Dublin), and J.D. & Co. (Punta Arenas, Costa Rica.) It is possible that, although the ship inscription verso has been crossed out, that this alcohol was uncovered on an import vessel, considering the international origins of the stash.

This photograph was taken in 1928, nearly a decade into Prohibition. Ratified by the 18th Amendment in January 1919, the Volstead Act (aka the National Prohibition Act) was fully implemented by January 1920. Contrary to popular belief, Prohibition did not indiscriminately ban all intoxicating liquors. For the most part, small-scale domestic and medicinal consumption was permitted, and there were many exemptions protected under the new law. Prohibition's principal target was large-scale alcohol manufacturing, sales, and distribution. The restriction on liquor came with unintended consequences. In 1928, for example, the U.S. Attorney General's Office reported over 55,000 cases related to Prohibition violations, which represented nearly 67% of the entire docket of cases prosecuted by the federal government.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.875" x 12.125"
  • Medium: Photograph

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000