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1846 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #239

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
1846 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge #239
<B>1846 Charleston MECHANIC Slave Hire Badge. Number 239.</B></I> A slightly convex diamond-shaped tag with clipped corners, a hole at the top for suspension, 55mm x 55mm. Manufactured by William M. Rouse, local silversmith, jeweler, and (later) watchmaker. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "CHARLESTON" in a crescent-shaped bar punch; an incuse "239" in individual punches; "MECHANIC" in a rectangular punch; and "1846" bar punched. The condition is extremely fine with a pleasing medium brown patina, the elements are all clear and well struck, and the surface is mostly smooth. <BR><BR>Mechanic badges are much rarer and more collectible than the Servant and Porter occupations. The license fee charged during this period for a skilled craftsman was $7.00, the highest fee of all (a servant was $2.00). Once again, this year's total of badges sold was down from totals in earlier years. The nice condition, scarce occupation, and lower mintage make this badge a very desirable one, worthy of the finest collections.