Customs / Tax Seal, French, 499, Image & Found by StuE
Found near Colchester.
Small seal with deep circular indentation on both sides, one containing the stylised letter I (not J), the other the number 499.
From a distinctive group of seals with various numbers on the reverse. Some have CONTRIBUTIONS around the inner raised edge and possibly IND - an abbreviation of Indirect to give 'Contributions Indirectes' - indirect taxes (French). "Taxes can be divided into direct taxes (taxes on income or property), and indirect taxes (taxes on alcohol and tobacco)." From 'France as a superpower 1700 - 1715'
The style of the I (resembling a J) matches that seen on a letter envelope stamped Minister des Finances Administration des Contributions Indirectes dated 20/12/1834. Delcampe - Ministère des finances/administration des contributions indirectes/lettre pour le prefet d'Agen.
