F3460

Waterman's badge Long Caption: Arm badge (brassard) of a Thames waterman. Circular numbered badge made of Sheffield plate (silver on copper) with a ferrous metal backing and four small holes around the rim for attachment to a coat. The central tablet is engraved with the licence number '6363'. Above the number the badge has an embossed oval shield of the City of London arms (a cross and dagger) and 'FREE WATERMAN'. Below is the embossed arms of the Company of Watermen (a shield with a skiff and crossed oars, with dolphin supporters), and their motto 'AT COMMAND OF OUR SUPERIORS'. The badge would have been worn as an official licence number, sewn to the sleeve of a Thames waterman's coat. The records of the Watermen's Company show that badge number 6363 was worn by Henry Scarlett of Edward Street, Limehouse, East London, who became a Free Waterman in 1824, after being apprenticed to Thomas Platt since 1814. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: PLT0255 Artist: unknown Date: circa 1824 Medium: copper; silver plate Size: 120 mm x 118 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.