A fragment of a 1930's waistcoat that was discovered during 2017-2018 investigations of the Russell House kitchen house. Made of black worsted wool with a black silk lining and brass buttons, this waistcoat was likely the uniform of an enslaved butler or body-servant. The absence of any gold on the buttons may imply a waistcoat that belonged to an enslaved footmen or butler.
Rounded cardboard box with lid containing remnants of antimony, a substance used for medicinal purposes. Discovered during 2017-2018 investigations of an enslaved quarter in the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house
Handwritten invitation on folded, embossed paper dated August 16, 1849. Discovered under floorboards in front of the fireplace in the east enslaved quarter during 2020 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house. The letter transcription reads, "Miss Mary Lopez respectfully/soliceits the honor of Mr. & Mrs./Allescader Compaony on/Wednesday Evening next/inst. at her residence/Prices Alley at 1/2 past 7/O'Clock August 16th, '49
Slave auctioneer's token, 1846. These tokens were distributed as one-cent pieces and served as advertisements for the businesses and services depicted on the coins. Face view of token reads "W.W. Wilbur Auction & Commission Merchant; Charleston, So. Ca.; Going at Only A Penny" encircling the image of an auctioneer. Obverse view of token reads "Merchants & Manufactors Agents; Collection Broker Notary Public" encircling the image of a tree.
Coral bead discovered during 2018 investigations of an enslaved quarter in the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house. Coral is most often associated with children's necklaces and teething rattles in the 18th and 19th century as it was thought to have protective/medicinal properties.
