- Created by
- Lafar, John Joseph, American, 1784 - 1849
- Date
- 1813
- Medium
- metal
- Dimensions
- H x W: 2 1/8 × 2 in. (5.4 × 5.1 cm)
- Description
- This is an octagonal metal slave badge. On the recto is text that reads ”CHARLESTON [stamped]” across the top. Under that is “1813 [stamped] / SERVANT [stamped] / No. [stamped] 12 [engraved] .” On the verso is a stamped cartouche at the center with the maker's name “LAFAR.” There is a diagonal line in the bottom of the badge through the ‘1’ of the ‘12’, possibly a repair. There is a hole punched at the center top.
- Collection title
- Charleston Slave Hire Badge Collection
- Classification
- Slavery and Freedom Objects
- Type
- slave hire badges
- Topic
- Labor
- Skilled labor
- Slave hire system
- Slavery
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Partial Gift of Harry S. Hutchins, Jr. DDS, Col. (Ret.) and his Family, dedicated to the individuals these Slave Hire Badges represent and their descendants
- Object number
- 2022.5.27
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




