Rare banner proclaiming abolition of slavery in Britain to be auctioned

Via SWNS

A rare silk banner proclaiming the abolition of slavery in the British empire in 1834 is to be sold at auction.

The blue and gold silk banner reads, "August 1, 1834 Slavery in the British Dominions Utterly and forever Abolished."

The Slavery Abolition Act freed more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean and South Africa, as well as a small number in Canada.

It received Royal Assent on Aug. 28, 1833, but did not take effect until Aug. 1, 1834.

The law became a source of inspiration and hope for abolitionists and enslaved people in other nations, particularly the United States.

The banner is one of many "cabinet of curiosity" items assembled by a London dealer in mechanical and scientific antiques.

They were collected in the 1980s and 90s during frequent visits to antique fairs, markets and shops in the UK, Europe and America.

It is expected to bring £1000-£2000 ($1,225- $2,450) at the Jan. 18 event at Chiswick Auctions.

Head of sale Austin Farahar said: “I’ve not seen one before - doubtless many similar pennants and banners were made at the time to mark the event but very few appear to have survived.

''Textiles associated with emancipation are much rarer than other commemoratives such as pottery mugs and jugs.

''Generally prices for slavery memorabilia have been rising - driven by interest from U.S museums and institutions that are keen to improve their holdings of material relating to the experience of African Americans.''