Found this on a 1700s homesite...

[Mr. Magoo]

Found this on a 1700's homesite...

It is made of lead and is about the size of a quarter. Any ideas?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Don in SJ]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

I agree, a nice example of a lead bale seal, not necessarily off a cotton bale, but a seal nonetheless.

Don

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

Thats what it is. Lead seal. Nice one. Can you tell us the writing? Looks like __ __& I. A.

 

[Mr. Magoo]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

It is a L & A. Anyone know the company and the time frame used?

 

[Don in SJ]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

Your seal with the letters is a unknown to me and I have attached info saying that lead seals were not just for textiles, they were used on bales of general merchandise also. I would imagine late 1700's to early 1800's for a wag on dating.

Don

 

[DiggerBug]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

I don't think it's "L & A". There are two letters above the &. Maybe F I & L A. I have seen these seals with Railroad initials on them also.

 

[sniffer]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

I agree with digger, looks like railroad or maybe utilities

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

I don't think it's "L & A". There are two letters above the &. Maybe F I & L A. I have seen these seals with Railroad initials on them also.

Yes there appear to be 2 letters above the "&". Can you make them out Magoo?


This is the only database I know of lead seals if you want to search. http://ourpasthistory.com/Gallery/bagseals?page=1

 

[Mr. Magoo]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

It almost looks like a faint "F" and maybe the letter "M" above the clear "L&A".

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

It is a cloth seal. Hard to say exactley how old as they were used for several hundred years. Here's a link. HH, Mike
http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/clothseals.htm

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

It is a cloth seal. Hard to say exactley how old as they were used for several hundred years. Here's a link. HH, Mike
http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/clothseals.htm

I agree, its more likely to be a cloth seal. Not the right type for a bag/bale, railroad or eletricial box.

Probably mid 18th Century.

 

[Mr. Magoo]

Re: Found this on a 1700's homesite...

Thanks guys. Whatever timeframe I think it is cool and by far my best seal to date!