Russian Customs Seal, MOCKBA, Orthodox Cross, 1885, Image by StuE, Found by Jimj0will.
Found in Essex.
An interesting stud type of seal with Cyrillic script. Recessed in the centre of one side with regular groves on the recessing edge is an Eastern Orthodox cross (also known as Crux Orthodoxa, the Byzantine cross, and the Eastern cross). On the annulus surrounding the recess is the date 1885, three small splayed crosses to the left that probably repeat to the right but are obscured on this example and at the top MOC. I have guessed at MOCKBA for the complete inscription which is MOSCOW in Roman script. The other side has a raised rivet possibly with an eagle depicted on it. The outer edge is sloping and again has the same regular grooves. On the annulus between this grooved edge and the raised rivet are a symbol formed by three joined pellets and seven Cyrillic letters who's translation defeats me.
Help from Hungry Duck:- таможня = Customs !
From Ged Dodd, "These are similar to those from Riga and St Petersburg and were used on a variety of goods.
Obverse:- ТАМОЖНЯ ... (Customs Tax) 3 pellets, no number, around a Russian Double Headed Eagle.
Reverse: - МОСКОВ (MOSCOW) 1885 around an Orthodox Christian Cross.
See ref Tax 10 on The PeaceHavens Project, Russian State Arms Customs Tax Seals."
