Good places to start are:

Internet Fur Trade Sites
1. Library of the Fur Trade Source Documents
    http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/amm.html
2. Hudson's Bay Company
    http://www.hbc.com
3. Fur Trade in Indian Territory
    http://www.telepath.com/erics/furtrade/furtrade.html


Smoke.

Smoke (Michael A.) Pfeiffer, RPA
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
(501) 968-2354  Ext. 233
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.




                    Dave McMahan
                    <[log in to unmask]        To:     [log in to unmask]
                    ATE.AK.US>            cc:
                    Sent by:              Subject:     lead bale seals
                    HISTORICAL
                    ARCHAEOLOGY
                    <[log in to unmask]
                    edu>


                    01/02/02 07:08
                    PM
                    Please respond
                    to HISTORICAL
                    ARCHAEOLOGY






I am currenly analyzing a collection of early 19th century lead fur bale
seals from Castle Hill, the colonial headquarters of the
Russian-American Company.  These seals (similar technologically to those
from ancient Roman and Byzantine context) were embossed with secret
codes to indicate the source/quality of furs.  They were then used to
secure and tamper-proof the bales.  My question to the group is:  Was
the use of bale seals standard practice in the fur trade?  I know that
they were used in the textile industry -- and probably others -- but I
am interested specifically in finding analogs/examples in the fur
trade.  I would appreciate any insights.  Thanks.

Dave McMahan