First silver of the year and a whats-it

[wayne_etc]

Hey folks. I battled the wind and mud this afternoon and hit a really old spot. Lots of trash. Even with the FBS 800 coil I was nulling nearly constantly. Decided to dig some iffy one way signals and got a few rewards.
The little button back is my first silver of the year. Its marked sterling. I assumed it was modern, but googling the patent numbers indicated that it is early 40s and military.

Also pulled what I think is a musketball. Flattened.

Finally I pulled this button thing. About the size of a dime but the thickness of 2 dimes. Has the number 23 on the front and what looks like some decoration around the edge on the other side. If you have any idea what it is I'd appreciate it.

w

 

[Dancin' Dave]

Hi Wayne,

I believe the "button thing" you found is a lead seal. They are used with a loop of wire that is typically be placed around a bag of grain (or other goods) to prevent tampering. The wire is drawn tight around the bag and the seal compressed with a hand tool to lock it into position. The hand tool may also leave an impression in the seal that indicates the identity of the merchant or company that placed it there .... or perhaps a lot number. Lead seals have been used a very long time and are still in use today.

HH
DD

 

[wayne_etc]

n/t

 

[destructo]

nice finds Wayne, good luck on your next hunt. D

 

[MikeO]

Nice old Bale Seal.

 

[Hotcz70]

Congrats on the first silver of 2013.