Lead Cloth Seals

Small leaden seals, known as cloth seals, were crimped
onto finished cloth in England by the manufacturer, the
merchant, the quality control inspector, and the tax
official. These seals tell the archaeologist not only
what type of cloth was being used by the colonists, but
where it came from. It can also provide a good date for a
site because cloth goods were sold soon after they were
made. Textiles represented too much money to remain as
inventory.
This 6-part cloth seal from Pit 3 bears the Stuart
coat-of-arms and the legend "Lenox" referring to the Duke
of Lennox who, with the Duke of Richmond, had control of
the official inspection of textiles starting in 1605.
This cumbersome form of seal was probably only made until
about 1610.