Lead Trading Seals

Lead trading seals were used throughout the centuries for all kind of merchant/ trade wares. The seals were used to represent a certain brand or type of material. Others were used to confirm taxes been paid. Lead trading seals can be very old - some are dated all the way back to the 15th century.

Some examples of my seals collection: 1.) a very old seal with lion symbol. 3/ 4/ 5/ 8: 18th century standard seals for sugar, seeds, grade C. 7.) an 18th century tax seal. 6.) very old seal with the fabric still attached between de lead halves. 23.0 meat seal. 20.) very old 'lakenlood' - fabric seal.

While some seals were pressed into the material, like fabric (above left), others were attached to bags by wires - like the three to the right above.