23rd-20th century BC. A mixed group of five bronze 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:(T-682) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 56 x 56 x 18mm) 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 a central quadrate cross containing a circle set in a circle, with is the inside of a circular band divided into 14 roughly oblong compartments. This in turn is surrounded by a plain outer band. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has been cleaned and conserved, and save for the usual denting and slight damage to the outer rim, it is in very good condition.'; (T-244) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 64 x 63 x 20mm. This is round with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design consists of a compartmented and open-work rosette of eight petals, reaching from an inner circle to an outer plain band. The petals are marked on the back with notched edges. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The metal has been conserved and is in good condition, and the piece generally is well preserved, only the outer rim being a little worn and damaged.'; (T-161) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 51 x 49 x 12mm. This has the shape of an eight-pointed star, with flat engraved face, and back shaped and decorated rising to a handle like twined cord. The decoration on the back makes the points each look like a leaf or similar thing. The design on the face shows as the main item a snake in zig-zag pose with other items around it: three trees(?), two things with shape of arrow-heads, a crescent, and an uncertain depiction. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition and offers a very rare design.'; (D-50) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52.5 x 52.5 x 2mm. This has the shape of an eight-pointed star. The flat face has eight small circles, at the bottom of each V-shape on the edge, and each point is hollowed out with drill holes, while the very centre is filled with a flower-like motif. the edges of the points are grooved, and the flat back is covered with depressions of various shapes, while the loop handle in the middle is covered oblong depressions. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c.2300-2000 B.C. It is in fine condition, and it is a rarity to have so much engraved on all sides.'; (R-213) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 45 x 45 x 16mm. This is square, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a loop handle of inverted V-shape. The design is compartmented, but not open-work. It consists of a simple cross creating four smaller squares, each of which is divided into three oblongs in such a way that the oblongs run in opposite directions in adjacent squares. this comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design in metal, and in very good state of preservation.' 266 grams, 53-64mm (2-2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers D-50, T-161, T-244, T-682, R-213 academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]
Condition
Fine condition.