Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Exceedingly rare slave badge with stamped "CHARLESTON, 1825, Porter, 368, LAFAR”, 2-3/4”” x 2-7/8”, VG. Very unusual that the “LAFAR” makermark is stamped on the front. The die strike is strong causing ever-so slight show through at the base of the license number. The tag has very minor bends, dark patina. John Joseph LaFar, a well-known Charleston silversmith stamped the tags from 1810 to 1828. LaFar badges in this period were struck in the odd years (like this one) as diamonds, the even years were square. Charleston, South Carolina was the only city to issue these tags or badges which had to be worn by any slave that was 'hired out' within the city limits. Each year a slave owner that hired out a slave had to pay a tax and the slave had to wear this "license tag" proving that the tax had been paid. The greater the skill and training required, the greater the tax. Thus tags were issued according to 'occupation' with occupations like 'Mechanic' or 'Carpenter' requiring the most tax.
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