Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History & Coins

Pillowform with columns of cuneiform text on both sides. 97 grams, 76 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.

Comprising a slender triangular blade with a raised midrib and a short rectangular-section pierced tang. 192 grams, 38.3 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'

Frieze depicting a standing robed figure in profile with one hand raised to an orb above a column, advancing gryphon to the other side; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.33 grams, 17.06 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Comprising a broad bell-shaped bowl with flat rim attached by a thick trunk with four rows of angled impressions to a tripod base with sturdy curved legs with inner supporting ring and keeled finials. 5.28 kg, 35.5 cm



with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK, 1974. Private collection, London, UK.

Broad and squat with slightly everted rim to the mouth; old collector's label to underside 'N6056-2 P5000-'. 341 grams, 12 cm wide



Ex West London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Comprising larger facetted beads and small tubular beads. 15.99 grams total, 1.94-14.93 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Carved with a band of stylised running horned quadrupeds; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 10.7 grams, 18.76 mm



Ex H. Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, collected in the 1980s-1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.

Including four miniature amphorae each with a ribbed collar to the neck, and a fifth with sealing wax at the mouth. 130 grams total, 9.2-14.2 cm



with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.

Comprising: the body of a bow brooch, a kite-shaped mount with a fish, a beast-head mount or finial, a late Roman military belt strap end of 'amphora' type; a stamp seal with an ibex, and others. 76 grams total, 16-52 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Amphora strap ends were common in the late Roman army and have been found in great numbers in Roman Britain. They are so-called because their shape resembles an amphora with handles on either side. In reality, they might represent phallic symbols, in keeping with the widespread use of such imagery in the Roman military.

Rectangular thin silver sheet tightly wound into a cigar-shaped amulet; stamped starburst and other motifs to outer face 1.89 grams, 45 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Aviform body with loop handle and applied collars and detailing to the neck and head; painted spiral tendril design. 612 grams, 18 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Plano-convex type with incuse standing zebu motif, band of pellets above. 1.86 grams, 12.36 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.