1860-Dated Civil War Period, Genuine “SERVANT” Slave Hire Identification Tag from Charleston (South Carolina), Tag Number “1998” made by William M. Rouse, Very Fine.
A rare well detailed and pleasing Genuine fully authentic 1860 “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 usual, as made. The corners have been clipped as usual so as not to be sharp. This Slave Tag reads, “*CHARLESTON* / 1860 / SERVANT / 1998”. This Slave Tag is said to have been located in McPhersonville, SC. nearby the City of Charleston. The details are all clear and readable, well centered showing a strong, clear “1860” date “SERVANT” occupation and city name at top. This is the nicest quality 1860 dated Tag we have offered and the reverse is particularly clean and free from detractions. The rich natural patina is attractive. We offered an 1840 dated Slave tag in our EAHA Auction of April 25, 2020 which sold for $3,900. A Letter of Authenticity signed by noted Slave Tag historian and relic hunter Cal Packard accompanies this lot.
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 1860 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.
[Antebellum Period, Slavery and Abolition, South Carolina] [Charleston Slave Badges, African American History] [Metalwork, Relics, Militaria]