National Museum of African American History and Culture
Charleston slave badge from 1803 for Mechanic No. 137
Charles Prince, American · 1803
This is a round metal slave badge. On the recto is ”CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “No. 137 [engraved] / MECHANIC [stamped] / 1803 [stamped].” The bottom edge has been trimmed, with the very top of an "1802" stamped date visible, indicating this badge is reworked from the previous year. On the verso is a stamped cartouche at the bottom center with the maker's name “C PRINCE.” There is a hole punched at the center top. A thin piece of the bottom of the badge is missing.
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