- On View
- Slavery and Freedom Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Exhibition
- Slavery and Freedom
- Created by
- Lafar, John Joseph, American, 1784 - 1849
- Date
- 1815
- Medium
- metal
- Dimensions
- H x W: 2 7/16 x 2 1/2 in. (6.2 x 6.3 cm)
- Description
- A flat diamond-shaped badge with clipped corners and a hole at the top for suspension. “LAFAR” hallmark punched on the back. The elements on the front are as follows (top to bottom): "*CHARLESTON*" in a lunate bar punch; "No" in a square punch followed by an incuse "689" in deep individual punches; "SERVANT" in a rectangular punch; and "1815" bar punched at somewhat of an angle. The condition on this badge is extremely fine with well-defined elements, smooth surfaces, and an even medium brown patina. There is just a bit of verdigris at the bottom.
- Place made
- Charleston, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Type
- slave hire badges
- Topic
- Labor
- Skilled labor
- Slave hire system
- Slavery
- U.S. History, 1815-1861
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2010.27.3
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




