What were lead seals used for?

[smf399]

I have found a couple but were they all used for sealing the wax on envelopes. The picture is one I found recently.

 

[CoilyGirl]

I can't see your picture but often lead seals were used for bales of cotton as well as other dry goods.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/84917-lead-white-patina-seal.html

 

[HCW]

as far as I know, lead seals were used to seal produce bales (hay).
After the bale was wrapped and brought to market the tax man would clip the bale with a seal to show the tax on it had been paid. Then when a livestock farmer fed his cows he'de lay the hay out in a field to feed them. that's when the bale would be cut open and the seal would be discarded.
If someone else knows more then I do, please chime in. you may know better than I. this is just what I heard.

 

[NVNutcase]

Some are also used to "seal" the Demand feature on KWH meters

 

[CRUSADER]

Lots of things.