These lead seals are some of the finest items in Father Kunst’s collection. They are nickel size seals that held the chains blocking one set of doors of the conclave. On one side the year is noted, 1978; the other side simply says Conclave.

When the cardinals go into conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a pope, the doors are sealed shut using a pair of lead seals. There is only one pair used per set of doors making them an exceedingly rare item.