The Electrical Experimenter, July, 1917, page 188:

HOW  THE  GOVERNMENT  SEALS  RADIO  APPARATUS

sealed apparatus

    Uncle Sam's radio inspectors have been extremely busy the past few weeks sealing up all radio apparatus not in actual use by the Government.
    Heavy wire is wrapt around the poles of the spark gap and the ends of this wire are joined with wax bearing the great seal of the United States of America. Heavy prison penalties are provided for the breakage of this seal. The wire short-circuits the spark gap and makes it impossible to secure a spark. The impression of the great seal is made in red wax on an ordinary piece of paper.