Russian Bale Seal, Baltic States, Hemp, SPB, 1837, Found by Linnet (James T. Britten) Image by Donnydave & DocDave.
This is a Russian hemp bale quality control seal.
First side:-
First line:- missing
Second line:- II2? = grading system?
Third line:- J.B - ?
Fourth line:- 1837 = Date of grading
Second side:-
First line:- ПД = PD = Hemp Inspection (but could also stand for Port Inspection or Tow Inspection*)
Second & Third lines:- largely illegible (initials & surname of Quality Control Officer.)*
Fourth line:- H137 = N137 = the number of the post the QA Officer worked at.*
See Figs. on pages 54 & 55, *Russian Cloth Seals in Britain: Trade, Textiles and Origins by John Sullivan.
Inscription deciphered and completed by Ged Dodd, IDS 89 using his extensive database:-
ПД = PD / TOПЫKOBЪ = TOPYKOB / H137 //
CПБ / H._3 / J. B / 1837 ...(HEMP)
Seal is now with East Riding of Yorkshire Council Museums Service.
