LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Feb Americana Grand Format Auction #659  / 

25268

1814 Charleston PORTER Slave Hire Badge #108

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:375.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
1814 Charleston PORTER Slave Hire Badge #108
<B>1814 Charleston PORTER Slave Hire Badge. Number 108.</B></I> A slightly convex square-shaped (as they were in even-numbered years during this period) tag with clipped corners and a hole at the top for suspension, 49mm x 49mm. There is a very lightly punched hallmark on the reverse near the center of "LAFAR" indicating manufacture by silversmith John Joseph LaFar. The elements on the obverse are as follows (top to bottom): "*CHARLESTON*" in a crescent-shaped bar punch (the "*C" is quite weakly struck); "No" in a square punch followed by an incuse "108" in individual punches; "PORTER" in a rectangular punch; and "1814" bar punched. The condition is very fine with a dark chocolate patina making it a handsome example for display. <BR><BR>1814 was the first year in which all the elements of the badges were punched; nothing was engraved. Also, it was the first year in which maker LaFar started the pattern of square-shaped badges in even-numbered years and diamond-shaped badges in odd-numbered years. This made it easier to see at a glance that the slave was not wearing a badge from the previous year. Approximately 1338 badges were issued with the 1814 date.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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