Description:

Slavery - 18th Century Bahamian Copper Slave Auction Tag


Bahamian circular slave auction tag with "Lot 7" imprinted upon its face. The copper disc measures roughly 1.12" in diameter. Ex-Christopher Gordon, by inheritance; found during building works on the Hilton Hotel site, New Providence, 1960s (with explanatory letter). Copper, 6.48 grams, verso blank. Very good condition.

Christopher Gordon, who inherited the pieces, details how he came to inherit a variety of historical artifacts stating "...my parents spent some time in the Caribbean during the early 1970's... Whilst in the region they collected up quite a few historic artifacts, mainly from locals they met who generally gave them the pieces... The copper discs are the most interesting, they date from the C18th and are auction lot tags. What makes them unique is that they are slave auction tags that would have been tied to an African prior to being sold. The discs are different sizes but it is clear that they were both made at the same time, the lettering being stuck from the same dies [one disc in this offer]. From what I remember, these were given to my parents whilst on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. On the waterfront there is a large hotel, I think part of the Hilton Group,[sic] This hotel was rebuilt a number of times and the tags were dug up when trenches were being dug for pipes, I assume in the late 60's era. The hotel is located very close to the main dock and site of the former slave market, known as "Vendue House" where for many years traders unloaded and sold their slaves. There are pictures of this building on the internet, it was restored in the 1980's."

During the 18th and early 19th centuries the agriculture industry in the Bahamas, then a colony of the United Kingdom, was heavily reliant on slave labor. The first slaves were brought into the country by the Spaniards who had depleted their previous workforce that was comprised of the Bahamas' indigenous people, the Lucayans. This practice continued throughout the first half of the 18th century. The slave population of the Bahamas however, did not experience rapid growth until roughly 1770. Land grants provided incentive for many Americans who were still loyal to the British crown to migrate to the Bahamas. Prior to the start of the migration the Bahamas' population was roughly 4,000 people, two thirds of them black slaves. By the late 1780's the white population had doubled and the black population had tripled, as each newcomer brought with him anywhere from ten to one hundred slaves.

The nation's most populous island, New Providence, was where the vast majority of the slave industry was based. The only market on the island was the Vendue House, which was a large building in the port city of Charles Town. Everything from spices to slaves was sold at the Vendue House. When slaves in were put up for auction each received a lot number, like the one featured on this copper disc. The Vendue House and the slavery industry in the Bahamas as a whole would continue to operate successfully into the early 19th century when the United Kingdom abolished the slave trade.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000