23rd-20th century BC. A group of three bronze openwork seals, all accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (U-21) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 58 x 58 x 16mm. This is very roughly round, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a central circular band from which four snakes spread, first outwards, then in a big loop to the head with big eyes. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is some incrustation on the surface, which could be removed, the metal appears to be sound. There is slight denting of one head, but generally this is an attractive seal with a rare design.'; (R-742) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 65 x 63 x 28mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. the design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central square, with a Greek cross mounted on each side of the square, with a dot in the middle of the cross and an outer open end which flows into scallops each side so creating an outer band of eight scallops. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in fine state of preservation.'; (R-703) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 42 x 42 x 14mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, shows a sitting monkey with front paw and tail raised. Struts reach from the monkey's shoulder to the outer band, which encloses the whole design. Design repeated on the back. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a known type, but the linear pattern on the back is rare for this design. The outer rim is a little dented, but the piece is generally in good condition.' 133 grams, 42-64mm (1 3/4-2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers R-742, R-703, U-21, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [3]
Condition
Fine condition.