Early 2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of bronze seals comprising: one with semi-circle pattern to the outer border, unidentified design to the centre, and four accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (R-845) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 65 x 64 x 16mm. 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 square divided into four smaller squares, and from each corner a straight strut reaching a plain outer band. Each of these four struts is supported by four diagonal struts giving a tree-like impression, and the two lines dividing the central circle continue to the outer band also. The outer band is divided into three segments only. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a very good example of its kind, and in good condition. Only the outer rim is a little worn.'; (T-683) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 50 x 50 x 20mm. 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 square, connected to a plain outer band by four 'petals', and by elegantly curving struts from the centre of each side of the square. the outer band is divided into three portions by short lines. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has been cleaned as is in good state of preservation. Only the outer rim is a little dented and damaged.'; (U-457) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 55 x 56 x 24mm. 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 figure something like the item used in our type looking like two S-shapes, one above the other, and to each side of this figure are two bands of filling shapes. A plain outer band surrounds the whole. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design, and the piece is in good condition.'; (T-568) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 49 x 19mm. This has the shape of what is depicted, with flat, compartmented and open-work face, and flat back on which is mounted a suspension loop of angular form. The design consists of a scorpion, to the antennae and feelers of which are attacked two snakes, one each side. this comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The metal has been conserved, and the piece is in very good condition, only the edges being slightly worn. The combination of scorpion and snakes is rare.' 245 grams total, 50-64mm (2-2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers Z-133, U-457, R-845, T-568, T-683, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]
Condition
Fine condition.