 1811 Charleston Slave Hire Badge. SERVANT. No.22(1). LAFAR in a prepared, rectangular punch on the back. Appearance of Very Fine or better in places. Octagonal shaped with four long sides, the shorter ones scalloped out to create a cruciform appearance. This seems to have been the style for this year, see the 118 Porter badge in Bowers & Merena's November, 2001 sale for another of these rare dates. Holed for suspension. 150.4 gns. 49.2 mm. x 52.3 mm. *CHARLESTON* in a prepared lunate punch at the top. 1811 in a rectangular logotype punch below. SERVANT in a prepared, rectangular punch underneath. No. in a prepared, square punch, 22(1) hand engraved, last digit of serial number uncertain due to crack. Deep green in color. Spade mark or folds across left side. This was one of the first badges Mr. West found. Surfaces somewhat smooth in places. Slightly dished, the front bowed towards the viewer, believed to add additional strength to the badge when worn. Very rare as are all badges from the second decade of the mature slave for hire system.
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