Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of five bronze seals including three accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (T-894) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 51 x 48 x 17mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is compartmented, consists of three similar parts meeting in the middle. Each part consists of a supporting arm which divides into two joined rough scallops at its end. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The edges are dented and the piece somewhat bent, but generally it is in good condition. The arms may depict something, but they are difficult to interpret. It is a rare design.'; (T-687) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 54 x 48 x 26mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of angular shape with rounded top. The piece has roughly three parallel vertical segments, which join in the middle, the whole being surrounded by a rim. Each segment has a row of dots in it: four in the two outer segments, six in the middle one, which is longer. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. it is extremely rare for its design, which may be understood as a stylized depiction of a standing four-winged god, but this is not completely certain. The piece is generally in good condition, but it is a little bent.'; (R-720) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 51 x 50 x 18mm. This is round with notched outer edge. The face is flat, as in the back, where a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted. The design is compartmented and angular, based on straight lines. It shows a small square in the middle, and on each corner of this square is a small square, the outer sides of which extend to the edge creating rough oblongs. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition.'; one discoid with flower design of a central circle surrounded by nine petals, each filled with a dot, ribbed handle to the reverse; one formed as a cross, each arm the tail of an heraldic eagle, inverted V-shape handle to the reverse. 243 grams total, 48-64mm (2-2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers T-687, T-894, R-720, Y-859, U-487, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]
Condition
Fine condition.