This amazing piece of history is an excellent example of the Charleston “hire badge.”  Charleston, South Carolina was the only city in the South to issue these tags.  Each year a slave owner that hired out any of his slaves had to pay a tax and the slave had to wear a “tag” proving the tax had been paid.  The greater the skill and training required, the greater the tax.  Thus tags were issues according to “occupation” with occupations like “Mechanic” or “Carpenter” costing the most.  The tag we are offering is a Porter tag No. 108 and issued by the city of Charleston in 1814.  It was made by a silversmith by the name of Lafar and is so marked on the reverse.  Early slave tags like this one are much more desirable and command higher prices than do tags from the 1840’s and 50’s.  This tag is square shaped, as was common for “even” years while “odd” years were diamond shaped.  Along with this tag we will provide a copy of the North South Trader Magazine that dealt with the Charleston Slave Tag.  The excellent article was written by Museum Quality Americana’s very own, Cal Packard.  Condition is very fine with a strong stamping, no repairs and still retains a slight bevel (most tags are totally flat after almost 200 years).  The Lafar stamping on the reverse is faint, but readable.  If you want a great tag in a condition that is rarely found, this piece is for you!  We will provide a photo certificate guaranteeing authenticity. 

# B1 - Price $3,750