Auction Highlights
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Egyptian Red Glass Face Inlay
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
A red glass insert of a profile face with remains of a pharaonic crown to the forehead. -
Egyptian Thoth as an Ibis with Maat
Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,500
A blue-glazed composition amulet in the form of an ibis (representing the god Thoth) seated on a wedge-shaped base, facing a figure of Maat appearing as a diminutive stooping female with an ostrich feather; some details to both figures rendered in a darker blue glaze; suspension loop to the rear of the bird's neck. -
Egyptian Bust of Ptah
Sold for (Inc. bp): £13,000
A white limestone figure of the god Ptah with false beard, wearing an enveloping cloak and a broad wesekh-collar, holding the shaft of a was sceptre; serene, oval face with almond-shaped eyes and fleshy lips; remnants of dorsal pillar to reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. -
Large Greek Hydria with Egg-and-Dart Motifs
Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,525
A spectacular bronze hydria composed of a tapering body, broad shoulder and waisted neck, the everted rim decorated with egg-and-dart motifs, three round-section handles and tiered, ogival foot; professionally restored. -
Large Greek Apulian Red-Figure Bell-Krater
Sold for (Inc. bp): £28,600
A red-figure terracotta bell-krater displaying polychrome figural panels between a laurel wreath and a band of Greek key motifs; side a) two robed male figures holding staffs, wearing a taenia or a band around the head, standing facing a central altar; side b) a woman wearing a chiton and holding a casket and olive sprig in her outstretched hands, advancing right towards a nude man standing right, his head turned towards her, holding a bucket and olive sprig, a cloak draped over his arm, elaborate volute palmettes beneath both handles; restored. -
Roman Military Eagle Staff Terminal
Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,050
A free-standing bronze imperial or military eagle terminal from a staff or a sceptre, modelled in the round in a dynamic pose standing on a globe, wings spread, head turned to the right, semi-naturalistic anatomical and feather detailing; the globe bearing an incised eight-armed stylised Macedonian star; sub-triangular lug to back of the neck; collar to globe with hollow underside. -
'The Castleford Military Garrison' Romano-British 'Regio Lagitiensis' Inscribed Brooch
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940
The best example of only three examples of this type known, a copper-alloy knee brooch composed of a rectangular-section body, spring pin within bow plate and remains of catchplate to reverse; both sides of the body with two panels of Latin lettering moulded in relief: 'FIBUL[A] EX REG LAGITIENSE', translating to 'Brooch from the Regio Lagitiensis' (Roman Castleford); remains of blue glass enamelling to the recessed fields. -
Large 'King Nebuchadnezzar the Great' Brick from the Wall of Babylon
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
A large fired clay brick from the Wall of Babylon bearing six lines of stamped Babylonian cuneiform inscription to one face which reads: 'AG - ku -dur-ri-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu' / 'za-ni-nu é-sag-ila' / 'u e-zi-da IBILA' / 'SAG.KAL. sa AG-IBILA-URU' / 'LUGAL ba-bi-lu ana-ku', which translates: 'Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who provides for Esagila and Ezida, the eldest son of Nabopolassar, king of Babylon, am I'; traces of bitumen on the blank side; accompanied by an old label which reads: 'Brick from the Wall of Babylon / Presented by W.Bro. Gentle-Cackett Secretary Bible Lands Mission / The impression records the fact that it was built by King Nebuchadnezzar [II]'. -
Roman Legionary Helmet with Wings of Jupiter
Sold for (Inc. bp): £52,000
A tinned sheet-bronze legionary helmet of Imperial Gallic Type A with deep rounded bowl, simple C-shaped cut-outs for the ears, integral flared neck-guard extending some way along the sides, corrugated ribs to the occipital area at the rear and corrugated 'wings' or eyebrows (Russel-Robinson's Type E) above the brow; small stud the rear of the neck-guard attaching suspension loops to the underside; hinged bracket at each temple for a deeply curved cheek-guard with gently flared rim, bearing a loop to the inner face to accept an vinculum fastening strap; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. -
Anglo-Saxon Gilt Chip-Carved Mount with Interlaced Panels
Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240
A gilt copper-alloy mount composed of a broad annular body with slightly domed profile, the body quartered with each cell displaying a chip-carved interlace motif configured A:B:A:B; rim, edges and central cell with raised rim; rivet and flat-section mounting bar to reverse. -
'The Pershore' Anglo-Saxon Hanging Bowl Mount with Horse-Head
Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
A bronze bowl mount or escutcheon comprising a discoid panel with gently curved profile and zoomorphic hook; the panel with reserved La Tène comma-leaf decoration on a pounced field (intended to receive enamel fill); the hook with median gusset to the outer face, horse-head finial, bulbous La Tène ornament at the base. -
'The Siddington' Impressive Anglo-Saxon Chip-Carved Saucer Brooch Pair
Sold for (Inc. bp): £24,700
A pair of large Early Anglo-Saxon gilt copper-alloy saucer brooches each comprising a broad (13mm+) angled flange surrounding a central disc with carinated border; outer zone comprising four arches subdivided by hatching to the inner edge and four C-shaped panels with triangular separators, inner zone separated by a carinated border, central disc with four radiating bilinear crescents; pin-lugs and catch to the reverse with traces of mineralised fabric. -
English Medieval Silver Chessman Type Seal Matrix for Stephen of Ale Lane
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,510
A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil head and knop above; central motif of a leopard statant gardant before a tree, pelletted border and blackletter legend '* sigillum [lozenge] steffani [cinquefoil cinquefoil] ale [cinquefoil lozenge] lane' (for 'seal of Stephen [at?] ale lane'). -
'The Bettiscombe' Medieval Gold 'Loyalty is Everything' Posy Ring
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
An annular gold band with everted upper and lower lip, filigree ropework above and below each rim, with circumferential inscription to the recessed exterior face; of the five separate bands, the central one accommodating an applied strip of paler gold bearing a Medieval French blackletter inscription in relief, reading: '+loiautet (5 five cinquefoils) pas tout (5 five cinquefoils)', or 'Loyalty Passes All'; the inscription band may once have been enamelled; plain interior; the outer rim and twisted band on one edge are slightly bent; cleaned and repaired. -
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border. -
Marble Statue of Kneeling Venus
Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,950
A marble copy of the kneeling Venus (original in the Vatican Museums), crouching on an octagonal base; the arms raised in expressive pose, head tilted, hair drawn up in a chignon; lettering to base 'KNEELING VENUS' and 'ROME'.
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Ur III Cuneiform Tablet, an Inventory of Drivers of Plough Oxen
Late 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
A pillow-shaped clay tablet bearing dense rows of cuneiform text to both principal faces; an inventory of workers, drivers of plough oxen, under the responsibility of a team leader; among the workers, several are mentioned as 'sick', the lower part of the tablet has been restored, the cuneiform signs on two lines are false. 82 grams, 63 mm
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. -
Kingdom of Larsa Cuneiform Tablet for Food Distribution in Ubar-iltum
18th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A large portion of a pillow-shaped clay tablet, bearing cuneiform text to one face and side edge, relating to food distribution in Ubar-iltum, Maši depending on the service of Adalšenni etc. Kingdom of Larsa (?). 55 grams, 45 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. -
Western Asiatic Cuneiform Tablet, A Letter from Karariya to Taridum a Servant of King Iluni
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A roughly rectangular clay tablet bearing dense rows of cuneiform text to both principal faces and to each of the four side edges; a letter from Karariya to Ṭaridum, probably a servant of Iluni, Karariya serves a foreign ruler (as indicated by the mention of the deity Hitti) who has just ascended the throne; he is of the same rank as Taridum, who considers him his brother: 'May Šamaš and Hitti preserve my brother alive forever!'; they deal with matters they have in common, a lawsuit to be tried by Karariya, and exchanges of goods between their two houses: 'There are no more wicks (?) for the lamps in my house (...). The wine from my stock is spent and we could not load the donkeys (with wine) for you'; repaired. 110 grams, 82 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. -
Akkadian Cylinder Seal with Presentation Scene
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
A stone cylinder seal with incuse design between bands: two standing bearded figures facing extending one arm each to a column with cruciform head; behind them standing on a raised dais with domed ornament, a winged dog-headed figure with an ear of wheat, a bearded nobleman in a hatched garment, a crowned figure in similar garment. 8.5 grams, 28 mm
From an important family collection. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. -
Canaanite Male Statuette
2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £878
A copper-alloy statuette modelled in the round as a nude male figure standing facing on a rectangular base, portrayed with stylised facial features, a full beard, both arms and hands outstretched before his chest, holding a staff in his proper left hand and wearing a helmet or other headpiece. 62 grams, 76 mm high
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Possibly a votive figure. -
Pre-Achaemenid Silver Phiale Mesomphalos
5th-4th century B.C. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
A large silver dish with carinated everted rim, repoussé central boss and piriform panels, fluted surround with lotus plant motif; some restoration. 904 grams, 29.5 cm wide
From an important North London collection, formed 1980. UK private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11641-197739. -
Syro-Hittite Horse and Rider
Early 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
A ceramic horse and rider figure, the animal modelled standing facing, with stub legs, ears pinned backwards, stylised detailing to the eyes and muzzle; the rider shown mounted sideways indicating a female rider, holding the horse's cropped mane with the left hand, the right hand extended outwards, pinched face with applied circular eyes, detailing to conical headpiece; mounted on a custom-made display base. 317 grams total, 15 cm high including stand
Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the thermoluminescence analysis report no.N122k29 from Oxford Authentication. -
Syro-Hittite Figurine with Animal
Circa 2nd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404
An abstract terracotta figure modelled standing, carrying a small animal in its arms, possibly a kid, with a pinched head, large circular eyes, conical headpiece, discoid ear ornaments and a neck ornament. 56 grams, 12.6 cm high
Collection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no. N122e89 from Oxford Authentication. Accompanied by a previous typed and illustrated catalogue page.
The Syro-Hittite states rose to prominence in northern Syria and southern Anatolia (modern Turkey) following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, during which time many such figures were produced and widely distributed for domestic use. Such figures, later pejoratively referred to as 'idols', depicted deities carrying or standing with animals. -
Sumerian Cup with Animal Frieze
Early Dynastic Period, 2900-2560 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
A truncated conical gypsum ritual drinking cup with rounded rim and discoid foot, displaying a frieze of mythological animals in relief to the exterior, including a lion-headed eagle with its wings spread, and an iconic Mesopotamian religious scene composed of a deity wearing a horned cup, flanked by a bull and goat; repaired. 27.9 grams, 46 mm wide
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing sheet.
In many ancient Mediterranean cultures, such vessels were symbols of wealth and status, or ritual objects associated with cult activities. Lion-headed eagles were associated with the god of Imdugud or Anzu, a divine bird and the personification of wind, thunder and cloud; this cup may have been used as a dedication to the god. -
Western Asiatic Pazuzu Head Amulet
Circa 8th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
A copper-alloy Pazuzu head amulet with grotesque facial features and suspension loop to top of the head. 18.7 grams, 27 mm
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
Possibly late Babylonian. -
Parthian Electrum Earring Pair
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £889
A matching pair of gold hoop earrings, each composed of a tapering hoop with expanded central section, adorned on both faces with gold pellets, pyramid clusters and a larger pyramid cluster finial with pyramid granules to each pellet; hinged closure. 10.02 grams total, 21 mm each
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Western Asiatic Gold Bead Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £683
A group of 100 gold beads of various types, including wheel, ribbed, spherical, granulated and other types. 6.49 grams total, 1-5 mm
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.