Rare Early 19th Century Abolitionist Scrimshaw Napkin Ring

Rare Early 19th Century Abolitionist Scrimshaw Napkin Ring, circa 1800, a simple turned bone ring hand engraved with the words AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER. Apparently first coined by the English potter Josiah Wedgwood in 1787, and used on a series of creamware bowls and plates, the slogan quickly became popular amongst Quakers on both sides of the Atlantic and became the rallying cry of the Abolitionist Movement. Any African American related scrimshaw is very scarce and it is thrilling to see a piece so directly related to abolition and such an important part of our history.

Measures: 1-3/8 inches diameter