Black History
Outstanding 1840 SERVANT Slave Hire Identification Tag
1840-Dated, Genuine "SERVANT" Slave Hire Identification Tag from Charleston (South Carolina), Tag Number "289", Choice Extremely Fine.
Genuine and fully authentic 1840 "SERVANT" Charleston Slave Identification Tag. This sharply detailed attractive Tag measures about 1.75" x 1.75", is diamond shaped and properly holed at top for suspension, as always, as made. The corners have been clipped. Tag reads, "*CHARLESTON* / 1840 / SERVANT / 289". This Tag has a full and clear "1840" Date and a choice clear and complete punch for the "SERVANT" occupation. It has a deeply punched "289" Tag Number, with the city name quite easy to read. This Tag has a perfectly natural, deep chestnut-brown patina on both its reverse and face side. It is vastly above average in quality and superior to most encountered, not having any noticeable detractions and extremely pleasing in its sharp detail and eye appeal. It is of the type shown in the 2004 reference book titled, "Slave Badges and the Slave Hire System In Charleston, SC 1783-1865," by Greene & Hutchins. We have only offered one other 1840 Charleston Slave Tag, in lesser grade, over a decade ago in 2009. Rarely are Slave Tags available in such exceptional quality, with a pleasing natural patina.
Slave Hire Tags or Badges were created and sold only in Charleston, South Carolina. These Tags were renewable at the end of every year as long as the fee was paid. According to Greene, Hutchins, Jr., and Hutchins in their book "Slave Badges and the Slave-Hire System in Charleston, South Carolina, 1783-1865".



The badges for 1840 were made by William M. Rouse, a silversmith, who made more Slave badges than any other maker. The badges were diamond-shaped, made of copper, and for the year 1840, noted on page 119, information appeared in this order: "Charleston," the date, occupation, and finally, the badge number.