Russian Bale Seal, Baltic States, Hemp, SPB, 183?, Image by StuE, Found by Grant.
Found in Scotland, 20mm, 11.0g.
A Russian flax bale quality control seal.
First side:-
First line - СП(Б) = SP(B) = St. Petersburg
Second line - ПEH = Indicates the quality and type of goods but uncertain what initials stood for.*
Third line - Н.Ш = N.zh = these initials are thought to belong to the owner or exporter or their agent.
Fourth line - 181- = Date of grading
Second side:-
First line:- (Л)Д = (L)D = Flax Inspection (L'nyannoy Dosmotr)
Second & Third lines:- ?.РАЖ = ?.RAž
ОВЬ? = OV'? - (initials & surname of Quality Control Officer)
Fourth line:- H82 = N82 = the number of the post the QA Officer worked at.*
See Figs.14a & b on page 54, *Russian Cloth Seals in Britain: Trade, Textiles and Origins by John Sullivan.
Inscription deciphered and completed by Ged Dodd of The PeaceHavens Project, IDS 30 using his extensive database:-
CПБ / ПEH? / H.Ш / 181? // ?Д = ?D / ?.PAЯБOBЬ = ?.RAYABOV / H182
