Slave Button / SOLD

Slave Button - Inventory Number: CON 400 / SOLD

The face of the button bears the markings of Thomas Porter II (1790-1857). Thomas Porter’s father made a fortune in cotton planting in British Guyana, owning at least three plantations (which he passed to his sons Thomas II and Henry in 1800). After emancipation of slaves Guyana in 1834, they received compensation for more than 1,000 slaves between them. 

Operating out of Barbados in the West Indies, sending slaves into the U.S. via Charleston. There is some debate whether the buttons were simply placed on the garments of a slave owned by Porter personally, but the number found and recovery sites in the U.S. would indicate they were used on stock clothing worn by the slaves in preparation for their sale at auction.

Comes housed in 4 inch x 5 inch riker display case with maroon velvet backing and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: CON 400 / SOLD