2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
c. 1800, Carved Carnelian Wax Seal Stamp for Letters, with legend reading "AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER," Extremely Fine. Incused seal on red carnelian glass, inserted into a protective brass ring. The design on the seal is identical to that seen on undated British Conder Tokens (circa 1794) and the rare U.S. Hard Times tokens (circa 1838) that depict a Black man in chains, on his knees and pleading for mercy. The surrounding legend reads: "Am I Not A Man And A Brother," a direct plea to the fact that slaves were treated as chattel and property instead of as human beings. The design and slogan are well known, but we've never seen it before in this unusual format. Typical of the period, this seal would have been used to impart the design to the wax used to close letters and correspondence. At one time, it may have been part of a ring or a hand-held stamping device. The condition is exceptional and essentially unimpaired. One of the most exciting and intriguing pieces of Black History we've offered.
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