§ 16 §457 — Copies of consular and customhouse records and documents

Copies of papers and documents belonging to, or filed or remaining in the office of any consul, vice-consul or commercial agent of the United States and of official entries in the books or records of such office, when certified under the hand and official seal of the proper consul, vice-consul or commercial agent are evidence. Copies of registers or enrollments of vessels, or of any other customhouse records or documents deposited in the office of the collector of customs, attested by him or his deputy, under seal of office, may be used in evidence and shall have the same effect as the production of the records in court, verified by the recording officer in person.