Manufactured by
Unidentified Man or Men
Owned by
Old Slave Mart Museum, American, founded 1937
Subject of
Fenwick Hall Plantation, American, founded 1730
Date
late 19th century
Medium
iron
Dimensions
H x W x D: 9 1/16 × 15 3/4 × 13/16 in. (23 × 40 × 2 cm)
Description
A pair of iron shears (hedge clippers) manufactured by a formerly enslaved blacksmith from Fenwick Hall Plantation, South Carolina. The trimmer blades are crossed and attached with an adjustable screw near the blades. The top blade is thick with a straight edge and is rounded at the top near the tip. The bottom blade is smaller and hooked shaped. Painted in a small white rectangle at the center screw is hand painted black text that reads [R234]. The handles are elongated and taper towards the edges. They are connected with a slightly rounded bar of iron attached to each handle with screws.
Place used
Johns Island, Charleston County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Tools and Equipment
Type
ironwork
shears
Topic
Agriculture
Labor
Skilled labor
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.108.23.54
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5223d9643-6851-408d-b233-18bf080ab7f3

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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