U.S.A., Mears Patent Seal

U.S.A., Mears Patent Seal, Image & Found by George Beauvais.
Found in New England, ?mm.

PAT / JUY.14 / 1857, MEARS ...S around // blank

From George Beauvais, "This is a bag seal I dug at a paper mill site in New England. The paper mill site was built in the late 1600’s. I was able to identify by searching the U.S. Patent office. This seal, according to the patent, is meant for sealing railroad freight cars, express chests, customhouse packages, wine cellars, mail bags, hatches of vessels, etc. The MEARS name can be identified in the top picture to the left edge. ... I know they made at least two different versions of this seal, one being for the Camden Station and the other for the Augusta Express. I have both versions which both have the same patent date and MEARS name. I believe the one patent covers both seals."

See US17802A - Seal for railroad freight-cars.