229A. EARLY CHARLESTON SLAVE TAG A rare early bronze Charleston slave tag, approx. 2" x 2", engraved "CHARLESTON 1786 SERVANT 1835", with a small hole through which a leather lace was once threaded. By law, slaves in Charleston were obliged to be registered for purposes of taxation, with their profession and registry number to be stated on the tag. This example is described on p. 117 of "Slave Badges and the Slave-Hire System in Charleston, South Carolina, 1783-1865" by Greene, Hutchins, Jr. and Hutchins. Excavated condition, just good condition, a decent, early strike.   $1,500- 2000