(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION MARITIME) Laissez Passer for James B

Sale 2271 - Lot 70

Price Realized: $ 960

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200

SCARCE "PASSPORT" FOR A BLACK SAILOR (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION--MARITIME.) "Laissez Passer" for James Banks, an African-American sailor. Partially printed document, accomplished by hand; with archival repairs, professionally conserved and de-acidified. New York, 1817

Set Alert for Similar Items

Additional Details

A scarce "passport" for James Banks, a twenty-two year old African American seaman. Documents like this were specially made for the protection of African-American seamen, both against the threat of slave-catchers, but also against press gangs that would "Shanghai" sailors and force them into service. The document was often folded and sewn into the lining of one's jacket, so it could be produced when needed.