Charleston slave badge from 1815 for Servant No. 689

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A flat diamond-shaped badge with clipped corners and a hole at the top for suspension. “LAFAR” hallmark punched on the back. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "*CHARLESTON*" in a lunate bar punch; "No" in a square punch followed by an incuse "689" in deep individual punches; "SERVANT" in a rectangular punch; and "1815" bar punched at somewhat of an angle. The condition on this badge is extremely fine with well-defined elements, smooth surfaces, and an even medium brown patina. There is just a bit of verdigris at the bottom.

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