Images(3)

Blackjack

Object number2015.84.3

Date1913-1948

MediumMetal/Leather/Thread

Credit LineGift of Norina H. Daubner

DescriptionMetal bootjack with partially detached leather covering. Metal structure consists of ribbed black metal shaft with bulbous gray-tone metal on the striking end. Bulbous knob at end of handle. Leather cover is interwoven over the knobbed handle and partially up the shaft, but has become detached/unwoven further up the shaft and is completely detached from the striking end. The leather cover for the striking end is still attached to the rest of the leather cover.Dimensions2 x 0.75 x 11.25 in. (5.1 x 1.9 x 28.6 cm)
Historical NotesBlackjack owned by Andrea Mazzotti. Andrea Mazzotti was born in Salerno, Italy circa 1892, and immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1913, at the age of 21. Trained as a musician in Italy, he specialized in baritone, trombone, and violin and worked as a session musician for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and in bands throughout the city. While it was uncommon for an immigrant to make a living as a professional musician playing anything other than ethnic standards in the 1920s and 1930s, Mazzotti was fortunate to find work during the Great Depression through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and played both classical and popular American music. He also worked as a conductor and tutor, teaching at Volkwein Brothers' Studio. Mazzotti was unable to participate in the draft during WWII due to his poor eyesight and instead used his musical talents to participate in War Bond rallies throughout the region. Besides working as a musician, he also sold life insurance through the Knights Life Insurance Company of America; during one sales outing, Mazzotti was robbed and took to carrying a blackjack after the incident. He died on March 22, 1948.

Previous owner Andrea Mazzotti (Italian, c. 1892 - 1948)

Related institution Knights Life Insurance Company of America

Related institution Volkwein Brothers' Studio

Related institution Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Related institution Works Progress Administration

Subjects