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1841 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge #494

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:225.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,200.00 USD
1841 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge #494
<B>1841 Charleston SERVANT Slave Hire Badge. Number 494.</B></I> A slightly convex diamond-shaped tag with clipped corners and a hole for suspension, 56mm x 59mm. No maker's hallmark (as expected after 1828), but manufactured by local Methodist minister and silversmith John Mood. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "CHARLESTON" in a crescent-shaped bar punch; an incuse "494" in individual punches; "SERVANT" in a rectangular punch; and "1841" bar punched (strike a bit weak). The condition is fine to very fine with very dark surfaces and a small notch and some roughness at the left upper quadrant. <BR><BR>1841 was a year which saw cotton prices at a two-decade low yet slave badge sales remained strong at an estimated 3900 pieces, just a handful of which still survive.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)