Slave tag or not?

[eugenedickson42]

I dug this about two weeks ago. I think it looks very old. I have to many opinons from other people and am not sure what it is. So please help. and Dig happy

 

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[funkman]

Eugene,

I have found something similiar I think here in Ny state. Does it have initials above the "NO 98" ?

I will try to find my item and post it here to show you.

Funkman

 

[funkman]

Eugene.
Found my post but my tag looks a little different than yours. STill no idea on what mine is eitherbut here is the post anyway.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,44620.msg325052.html#msg325052


Good luck

Funkman

 

[PBK]

It is not a slave tag or hire badge. All genuine slave tags are from Charleston or Charleston Neck, South Carolina. They are dated by year, bear an occupation title ("Servant," "Porter," "Mechanic," "Fruiterer," etc.) as well as a tag/badge number, and are holed, not slotted, for suspension.

This item may be a claim check/tag for baggage, clothing or other personal property.

 

[eugenedickson42]

It is not a slave tag or hire badge. All genuine slave tags are from Charleston or Charleston Neck, South Carolina. They are dated by year, bear an occupation title ("Servant," "Porter," "Mechanic," "Fruiterer," etc.) as well as a tag/badge number, and are holed, not slotted, for suspension.

This item may be a claim check/tag for baggage, clothing or other personal property.

Well you are talking about only 1800's slave tags what about the early ones? The 69 mustangs and the 2007 mustangs are updated so why cant the slave tags be updated from the seventeen hundreds and we know they are out there. Dont we?

 

[eugenedickson42]

Eugene,

I have found something similiar I think here in Ny state. Does it have initials above the "NO 98" ?

I will try to find my item and post it here to show you.

Funkman

yes it has an A over the number

 

[UnknownBounty]

That would be quite interesting if it is. I know those area's all had part in the "underground railroad".

 

[lucky1777]

Earliest slave tag known is from 1800. The tag you are showing does not look like any I have ever seen. Send some pics to the Charleston museum and see what they have to say.

 

[TreasureTales]

The earliest known Slave Tag dates to around 1790. I've included a photo of it. It is actually for a free slave, and note that it is fairly ornate. Slave tags were apparently created when slaves were loaned or rented out to others. Therefore the name of the "owner" was frequently stamped on the tag, as well as the number and job title/description. So I concur with PBK...your find is probably not a slave tag.

Of course, you are free to agree or disagree if you choose to do so. I'm merely adding my newly-educated guess to this discussion.

 

[PBK]

Well you are talking about only 1800's slave tags what about the early ones? The 69 mustangs and the 2007 mustangs are updated so why cant the slave tags be updated from the seventeen hundreds and we know they are out there. Dont we?

I must admit that I have never seen any documentation of such tags— that is, other than the "Free" tag which has been cited. Perhaps you could post some photos or links to more information about them.

 

[l.cutler]

As PBK stated, all genuine slave tags are from Charleston or Charleston neck, there are no others. As also stated this appears to be a baggage or claim tag. Definitely not a slave tag.

 

[Gribnitz]

As PBK stated, all genuine slave tags are from Charleston or Charleston neck, there are no others. As also stated this appears to be a baggage or claim tag. Definitely not a slave tag.

They are only from Charleston because slave owners were allowed to "rent" the slaves to others for labor . The tags were an effort to regulate people making money using the slaves for hired out labor.

 

[eugenedickson42]

branchville sc was charlestown in early 1700s slaves had to be sold with tags to be transported to plantaions atmar tags ....look at the a over 98 who in those days would use that much brass on something for bagage or clothes to use one time

 

[eugenedickson42]

pbk don'tread the books made 30 years ago in egypt they thought they found all the kings tombs ...but they found the mother load give them another 30 years...too much is in the ground to use what others say use your own judgement

 

[TreasureTales]

branchville sc was charlestown in early 1700s slaves had to be sold with tags to be transported to plantaions atmar tags ....look at the a over 98 who in those days would use that much brass on something for bagage or clothes to use one time

Just how big is this tag? You failed to put anything in the photo for use as a comparison. You didn't even give any dimensions. And to answer your (rhetorical ?)question about "who in those days would use that much brass on something for bagage [sic] or clothes to use one time"...many people had money in those days, just as today, and those people may very well have felt compelled to make large luggage or clothes tags. But I must question your contention that either of those uses would be "one time." Who says they would be used one time? We're not talking about the types of tags used on modernday railways and airlines. We talking about personal luggage and clothes tags. Those types of tags would be considered appropriate for permanent or longterm uses.

You solicitated opinions and ideas, now you can take them or leave them.

 

[lucky1777]

Well congratulations on your amazing find. I cant wait till I get to see your pic. in all the magazines. I will tell everyone that I had the privilege of seeing your amazing slave tag, before you became famous.

 

[TreasureTales]

Will.Dig.For.Food (Patriots) your Slave Collar link is too funny. I guess there are actually people who would wear such things these days, of their own volition. LOL And, yes, you are correct in your statement about official vs. personal inventory slave tags. Also, The "A" on his tag could mean any number of things, too, so that doesn't prove (or disprove) anything IMO. Since he's a newbie I think he has been cut some slack in regards to his attitude, but he should not be so quick to disregard all the opinions--especially from PBK.

Now, where was that toll free number for ordering a slave collar........

 

[nhbenz]

Is that a leather strap (dug?) that seems to be going through this item? (its possible I'm seeing this wrong)

 

[Blind.In.Texas]

Will.Dig.For.Food (Patriots) your Slave Collar link is too funny. I guess there are actually people who would wear such things these days, of their own volition. LOL And, yes, you are correct in your statement about official vs. personal inventory slave tags. Also, The "A" on his tag could mean any number of things, too, so that doesn't prove (or disprove) anything IMO. Since he's a newbie I think he has been cut some slack in regards to his attitude, but he should not be so quick to disregard all the opinions--especially from PBK.

Now, where was that toll free number for ordering a slave collar........

What slave collar link? Not sure what happened. Shall I post it again?

Laater...

 

[diggummup]

Wow,nice slave tag! Look I got one too.Mine has the owners name on it.Abloifia-very prominent slave owners in 19th century Charleston. You guys are too much.The slack was already cut by the way TT.

Well you are talking about only 1800's slave tags what about the early ones? The 69 mustangs and the 2007 mustangs are updated so why cant the slave tags be updated from the seventeen hundreds and we know they are out there. Dont we?

I must admit that I have never seen any documentation of such tags— that is, other than the "Free" tag which has been cited. Perhaps you could post some photos or links to more information about them.

Still waiting......