Lead stamped twine seals...for what?

[p-59a]

I found these at the swapmeet today. What are they for?

[Gerdan]

I think I can identify "Z. A. Frankfurt A. M. " wich could mean "Zoll Amt Frankfurt am Main"

Gerdan

[p-59a]

I think I can identify "Z. A. Frankfurt A. M. " wich could mean "Zoll Amt Frankfurt am Main"

Gerdan

At the top is "Z.A." below that is "FRANKFURT" below that is "A./M." below that "4" and below that is "OSTHAFEN" three of the four read that way.

[p-59a]

The fourth reads "SEZIONE VIAGGIATORI" around the rim and "R." below that "DOGANA" below that "ROMA" on the back is a coat of arms. It has two lions on either side of a shield with a cross in it and a crown on top.

[p-59a]

At the top is "Z.A." below that is "FRANKFURT" below that is "A./M." below that "4" and below that is "OSTHAFEN" three of the four read that way.

Frankfurt Osthafen is the industrial port on the river

[p-59a]

As best I can tell its something called a "cloth seal" "bag seal" or "sack seal". These type lead seals were used for century's by a number of country's as a customs seal or product seals. As to what these sealed I have no idea. A rectangular lead German eagle seal was found near a cash of gold German coins.

[Jean-Claude]

We used very similar ones in the old days when I started at the post office to seal registered mail bags, also used extensivly by customs and by some manufacturers on production prototypes for some contracts

JC