Lead isotope analysis of ancient artifacts containing lead at the ppm level was applied to silver, copper, bronze, and to glass and glazes if they contained a trace of lead. The method is useless for re-melted and mixed objects made from scrap, although in certain cases it is a useful indicator of origin. Data have been compiled from geological museums and collections, the geological literature and field trips, e.g., to Siberia, Soviet Central Asia, and China. Ore samples from a few areas still elude us, but much of the archaeological world has been covered. (The editors share with the authors the knowledge that the conclusions proposed in this paper remain tentative until more evidence is forth coming. The compilation of the isotope ratio data presented is an important contribution. - J. S.O. and M.J.B.)