Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Tag, Bahamian circular slave auction tag with “Lot 7” imprinted upon its face. The copper disc measures roughly 1-1/8” in diameter. Copper, 6.48 grams, verso blank. Very good condition. The provenance comes from a letter typed by Christopher Gordon, who received the tag by inheritance. The letter reads in part, “Christopher Gordon, who inherited the pieces, details how he came to inherit a variety of historical artifacts stating “...my parents spent some time in the Caribbean during the early 1970’s… Whilst in the region they collected up quite a few historic artifacts, mainly from locals they met who generally gave them the pieces… The copper discs are the most interesting, they date from the C18th and are auction lot tags. What makes them unique is that they are slave auction tags that would have been tied to an African prior to being sold. ... From what I remember, these were given to my parents whilst on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. On the waterfront there is a large hotel, I think part of the Hilton Group,[sic] This hotel was rebuilt a number of times and the tags were dug up when trenches were being dug for pipes, I assume in the late 60’s era. The hotel is located very close to the main dock and site of the former slave market, known as “Vendue House” where for many years traders unloaded and sold their slaves.
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