BSG.BS.01026 — Russian Bale Seal, Baltic States, Hemp, SPB, 1837

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.