Josiah Wedgwood - the potter to the queen famous for industrializing the production of pottery and credited with the invention of modern marketing - was a strident abolitionist and prominent member of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, an abolitionist group formed in Britain in 1787. He created the anti-slavery medallion seen here is this rare c. 1800 (damaged) tassie seal fob. This rendering of an enslaved man in chains kneeling beneath the words "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?" was reproduced on pendants, fobs and other household objects to express support of the abolitionist aims of justice, humanity and freedom. Slavery was abolished in Britain in 1807. The seal is tight in its setting, however the glass is cracked with chipping on either side which makes less than ideal for everyday wear. We've added a 24" silver chain so should you decide to wear this rare piece of history, please consider wearing it cautiously and occasionally.
thedetails
- Materials
Base metal (formerly gilt with gilding evident in some of the grooves of the fob's neck), red glass, new sterling silver chain
- Age
c. 1800
- Condition
Damaged
- Size
1 5/8" length, base measures 1 3/16" x 15/16", 24" chain
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