Slave Badge

Description:

1862 copper slave badge with chamfered corners currently on exhibit in First Hall stamped "No. 109 Mechanic". The date and serial number have been stamped over an original date and serial number. This is common in Civil War period tags as part of an official effort to conserve copper by "recycling" expired tags. This particular slave badge would have been worn by a slave who was a skilled tradesman hired out to produce a particular craft, such as ironwork or cabinetry.

• Site: Heyward-Washington House
• Site Number: 38Ch108
• Date: 1862
• Dimensions: H-5 W-4.7 cm
• Makers Mark: No maker's marks

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• Collection: Slave Badge Collection
• Object Name: Badges
• Object Id: ARL 19750

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• Search Terms
  • Enslaved people
  • Handicraft
  • Slave badges
  • Tradesmen