3rd millennium BC. A mixed group of bronze stamp seals; four accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: (R-741) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 62 x 60 x 18 mm. This is round with flat face and flat back, on which is a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central circle joined to an outer band by six irregularly curving boxes between each pair of which a strut of inverted Y-shape fills the space. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The outer rim is dented, and one strut is damaged, but generally the piece is in good condition. The incrustation on the surface could be removed.'; (R-718) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 54 x 51 x 16mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design consists of an outer band within which are two heraldic eagles tête bêche and conjoined at their tails. The heads are sideways, the wings are spread, and tail feathers stand out below. The two spaces left by the eagles are filled with a motif of perhaps a plant shoot or bud. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is damaged at the rim, but the rest is in very good condition.'; (V-463) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 52 x 56 x 8 mm. This bears the shape of the design, which is both given in compartmented form on the face, and on relief on the back. The design consists of four curving snakes with heads outwards and tails merging at the centre, where there is a stump handle. This seal comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design and of much interest. The surface is a little corroded, and one head of a snake is missing.'; (U-452) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 49.5 x 48 x 11 mm. This is 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 two crossing bands, one straight, the other curving with four strokes joining the four halves of these bands giving the impression of an inner circle. Three struts join these four parts of the inner circle to the outer edge. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The design is rare, and seems to be a highly stylised from of a heraldic eagle. The seal is a little bent and somewhat worn, but the metal appears to be in good condition and the piece is generally sound.' 162 grams total, 51-62mm (2 - 2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item numbers U-561, R-741, R-718, U-452, U-463; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]
Condition
Fine condition.