There is a seam joining two sections of lace, about 15 inches from one end. It is not uncommon for seams to appear, as the work of more than one lacemaker would be joined to make the yardage needed for opulent use. The zig-zag overlapping of the mesh is typical of eighteenth and nineteenth century seams, and could very well have been done when the lace was made. It is also very possible that the seam was put in as a repair, to eliminate a damaged section of the mesh.