Black History
c. 1840-50s Slave Collar with Engraved Nameplate & Key
c. 1840-50s, Slave Collar with Chain Nameplate and Key, Choice Extremely Fine.
Approximately 5” in diameter, collar is made of two, double-link metal chains, a 2.5”-long nameplate, and a 2.5”-long locking mechanism and a key—which is not the original, but is provided for display purposes. Nameplate has a brass inset strip, which is engraved with the name: “J.F.Y.G.W. Eddy”. Slave collars were engraved with the owner’s name, so that if the slave escaped, and was unable to remove the collar, he could be identified, captured, and returned to slavery. Northern states upheld the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and would have attempted to locate the owner of the unfortunate runaway who was collared. Collar is gray and rust-colored, with metal surfaces worn from usage. An intriguing, eerie relic from America’s slave past. Museum-quality, the finest we’ve offered. Ex EAHA Lot #401, February 9, 2008 where it brought $4,720.