A Thames waterman’s licence badge.

Repro ID: F3460

Description: This numbered brassard or arm badge was sewn to the sleeve of a waterman’s coat, and served as a badge of office. The badge is engraved with an official licence number, below the arms of the City of London and above those of the Watermen’s Company. Badge number 6363 was worn by Henry Scarlett of Edward Street, Limehouse, who became a Free Waterman in 1824, after being apprenticed to Thomas Platt since 1814.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 19th Century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London