The expert on lead cloth seals is Geoff Egan of the Museum of London who did
his doctorate on the subject at Univeristy College, London and has published
many specialist reports. Probably the best thing to consult is his _Lead
Cloth Seals and Related Items in the British Museum_ BM Occasional Paper 93.
London 1994. (see page 110 for Haarlem). The introduction discusses their
use etc. It is available for sale from the British Museum bookshop. The
symbolism on the shields normally reflects the coat of arms of the towns
involved and is based on medieval heraldry which has a vast literature. One
of our holiday tasks on the Continent is to collect obscure town arms from
cloth making centres for Geoff. These have sometimes changed over the
centuries.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Carol Tedesco" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 3:55 AM
Subject: Lead Seals


> Hello. I am looking for information regarding lead seals and arms
symbolism.
> Any and all comments would be appreciated.
>
> 1. I am looking for information regarding the various uses of lead seals
in
> the 16th and 17th centuries, ie, cloth seals attached to textiles
indicating
> city of origin, seals identifying bales of cargo, etc...
>
> 2. I am looking for an interpretation of the components of the coat of
arms
> representing Harleem, Netherlands circa 1600's: Cross, Sword, and Stars.
>
> Thank you.
> C