USP Alcatraz Metal Inmate Cup Reproduction

From The Alcatraz National Park - replica inmate cup. This cup, made from food-grade stainless steel, is based on historical artifacts in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Museum Collection. At United States Penitentiary Alcatraz (1934-1963), prisoners used tin cups in their cells and in the dining hall. The reason for the metal vessels was simple: ceramic or china cups could be broken and their shards turned into weapons. Large drinking cups were used for water, coffee, and juice, while shallow cups were used as shaving mugs in the convicts' cells. When morale got low in the cellhouse, inmates sometimes blew off steam by causing minor riots—hollering, cursing, and beating their cups against the metal bars of their cells.