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1850-Dated, SERVANT Slave Hire Tag, Charleston

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
1850-Dated, SERVANT Slave Hire Tag, Charleston
Black History

Original 1850 Charleston, SC “SERVANT” Slave Hire Tag

1850-Dated, “SERVANT” Slave Hire Tag from Charleston (South Carolina), Tag Number “805,” Very Fine.

This rare, fully original and authentic “SERVANT” Slave Tag measures about 2” x 2” (48mm x 49mm), is diamond shaped and holed at top for suspension, as always. It is a natural light to medium brown in color, with above average surfaces with some light bends and almost no porosity. It reads: “ CHARLESTON - 805 - SERVANT - 1850.” This superior quality Tag is overall quite clear in detail and quite easy to read. It is whole and complete having a nice natural overall patina. This type of Slave Hire Tag was made by the local silversmith, William M. Rouse, who made them for the City, which required a yearly official registration of each Slave, declaration of the specific type of work to be performed, with a small fee charged. This is a decent, collectable and absolutely authentic example of this historic Slave Tag variety.