Artifact Identification ???

[wreckvalle]

Found this while beach diving with a metal detector. Is a wreck in the area but item appears older than the wreck. Anybody have an idea as to what this is? Mostly brass with the flat area filled with wax. Im thinking its a type of seal but have never seen one like this. Any information would be a help.

http://www.shipwreckexpo.com/shipwreckdiving.htm

 

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[PhipsFolly]

That is precisely what it looks like... a seal. Very Nice! Phips

 

[wwwtimmcp]

some of the old sounding leads had wax in a depression on the bottom side. that way if it was sand/
gravel/mud/coral/grass/or whatever a small part would stick to the wax and the surveyors would know if it was good holding ground for their anchors or if it was sand that it could possibly shoal in that area. like wise it could also be used to find oyster beds as well.

 

[wreckvalle]

some of the old sounding leads had wax in a depression on the bottom side. that way if it was sand/
gravel/mud/coral/grass/or whatever a small part would stick to the wax and the surveyors would know if it was good holding ground for their anchors or if it was sand that it could possibly shoal in that area. like wise it could also be used to find oyster beds as well.

should have put a ruler in the photo. The artifact is very small only about 1inch long. Not a sounding weight!
but thanks anyway.

Capt. Dan
www.aquaexplorers.com