Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
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I found this on the ground near my house, any clue to the answer of the above questions?
What is this and what is it worth?
- Thread starter Dragoonser
- Start date
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
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- #2
That's... dissapointing.
Peyton Manning
Gold Member
- Dec 19, 2012
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MXT-PRO
Sandshark
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
possibly a bale seal?
lead?
lead?
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
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- #4
Sorry, what's a "bale seal?"
Peyton Manning
Gold Member
- Dec 19, 2012
- 14,550
- 18,711
- 🏆 Honorable Mentions:
- 1
- Detector(s) used
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MXT-PRO
Sandshark
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
courtesy of google
I didn't know what it was when I found it. I knew it was made of lead and about an inch in diameter, but that was pretty much it. At a total loss as to identification, I posted it up for my good friends at Metal Detecting Maine, who seem to be able to identify anything. Sure enough, replies started coming in immediately explaining to me that what I had found was a lead bale seal. Oh, of course, thought. But what the hell is a lead bale seal? I consulted Google and was astounded at the fascinating websites about the history, curating, and collecting of lead bale seals. The wonderful Colchester Treasure Hunting & Metal Detecting website at baleclothseals states that, "Bale seals such were single disc seals... and were used to identify textiles, as well as parcels and bales of trade goods. The obverse would typically display a city's arms, and the reverse would record data such as the length or width of fabric or the weight of parcel." The site has a wonderful catalog of seals dating back to medieval times, and the similarities between those and the object found by me in a park in Union, Maine were really quite surprising. Now, obviously, the seal found by me is of a much later date, probably the mid-1800's, and not nearly as rare or valuable as a 7th Century Roman bale seal, but still exciting, nonetheless.
Krom from Metal Detecting Maine told me, "Definitely a grain bag seal," and Kelly, from the same site suggested origins in the Maine Central Railroad, hence the M.C. The number on the rear is either an 85 or a 95.
I didn't know what it was when I found it. I knew it was made of lead and about an inch in diameter, but that was pretty much it. At a total loss as to identification, I posted it up for my good friends at Metal Detecting Maine, who seem to be able to identify anything. Sure enough, replies started coming in immediately explaining to me that what I had found was a lead bale seal. Oh, of course, thought. But what the hell is a lead bale seal? I consulted Google and was astounded at the fascinating websites about the history, curating, and collecting of lead bale seals. The wonderful Colchester Treasure Hunting & Metal Detecting website at baleclothseals states that, "Bale seals such were single disc seals... and were used to identify textiles, as well as parcels and bales of trade goods. The obverse would typically display a city's arms, and the reverse would record data such as the length or width of fabric or the weight of parcel." The site has a wonderful catalog of seals dating back to medieval times, and the similarities between those and the object found by me in a park in Union, Maine were really quite surprising. Now, obviously, the seal found by me is of a much later date, probably the mid-1800's, and not nearly as rare or valuable as a 7th Century Roman bale seal, but still exciting, nonetheless.
Krom from Metal Detecting Maine told me, "Definitely a grain bag seal," and Kelly, from the same site suggested origins in the Maine Central Railroad, hence the M.C. The number on the rear is either an 85 or a 95.
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
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- Thread starter
- #6
So this is a grain bag seal?
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
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- Thread starter
- #7
I did not see any pictures that had what appeared to be a 2d globe on it. I am also pretty sure that it is rock, not lead.
diggummup
Gold Member
- Jul 15, 2004
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I guess you don't own a metal detector? I doubt it's rock.
bradyboy
Silver Member
size?
Image of back and sides?
Image of back and sides?
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
- 8
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- #11
Very busy lately. Will get on that ASAP.
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
- 8
- 0
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
- Thread starter
- #12
Dragoonser
Tenderfoot
- Aug 13, 2016
- 8
- 0
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
- Thread starter
- #13
Bump
