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

25272

1817 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. #233

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
1817 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. #233
<B>1817 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. Number 233.</B></I> A slightly convex diamond-shaped (as expected in odd-numbered years during this period) tag with clipped corners and a hole at the top for suspension, 66mm x 67mm. There are three additional smaller holes in each corner possibly where the original slave sewed it to a piece of clothing. A punched "LAFAR" hallmark on the reverse at the right indicates manufacture by J. J. LaFar, a Charleston silversmith. The elements on the obverse are as follows (top to bottom): "*CHARLESTON*" in a crescent-shaped bar punch; "No" in a square punch followed by an incuse "233" in individual punches (just barely punched all the way through in four places- not noticeable unless held up to the light); "MECHANIC" in a rectangular punch; and "1817" bar punched. The condition is generally very fine with strong devices and dark surfaces. <BR><BR>Harlan Greene, Harry S. Hutchins, Jr., and Brian E. Hutchins, in their book <I>Slave Badges and the Slave-Hire System in Charleston, South Carolina, 1783-1865</B></I> estimate that 2157 badges were issued with the 1817 date. Please note that we are offering in this sale three different occupation badges for this year including this rare Mechanic, a Servant, and an ultra-rare Fisher.<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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