[ Autographs ] SLAVE PUNISHMENT COLLAR A most unusual slave punishment collar, originally used as a means of punishing and keeping track of non- compliant slaves, and frequently forced on thosewho attempted to run away from their masters. This collar was originally hung with bells, now missing, which served to keep the overseer aware of his slave's location while going about his daily work. Collars of this nature and construction are well documented, andthis example was said by the consignor to have once been on loan to the Smithsonian Institution. While this cannot be definitively verified, the collar comes with an explanatory plaque formerly used inits display in some institution, explaining how it was utilized, with the notation on the verso of the plaque that the collar was originallyfrom Maryland and was loaned to the institution in 1990. This type of collar, and its usage on slaves, is well documented. A similar collar was recently on display at the Louisiana State Museum, and another similar collar appeared in the recent film "Beloved". An unusual and visually compelling item in good condition, and a worthy addition to any collection of slavery.