Lead bale seals from a Louisiana plantation

[Ripcon]

Found these lead bale seals at a Louisiana plantation across the river from Vicksburg, MS. I think these seals went to cotton bales.

 

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[bonepicker]

Nice. Mmm..., Louisiana plantation.
I believe lead seals were used for lots of things.
I have dug a few with the iron wire and have often wondered about what they were used for and the era they were made.
I believe the iron wire type probably came into use some time around the mid 1800's.

 

[Ripcon]

The delta land across from Vicksburg was lined with plantations. You're right, lead seals were used on lots of things: Textiles, cotton bales, mail, railroad cars, etc.....The numbers and letters on some of this pieces are really hard to decipher so it's anybody's guess. I'm assuming cotton bales because of the location and industry associated with the site.

 

[angleofattack]

Very cool I haven't found one of those yet. Should be some good stuff around there

 

[Ripcon]

Very cool I haven't found one of those yet. Should be some good stuff around there

I found some musket balls, an eagle button, and some other cool stuff.

 

[Tom Bigbee]

I found one in Columbus MS stamped LEE.

 

[Ripcon]

Lead Bale seals are very historical with lots of good information regarding industry and commerce. More research certainly needs to be done on these relics of the past.