Ancient Art, Antiquities, Books, Natural History, Stamps & Coins

An oval intaglio with a calligraphic inscription. 1.27 grams, 16 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Private collection, London.

Openwork seal with a loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 50.5 x 49 16 mm. This is round with scalloped outer edge. The face is flat, as is the back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of central cross with curving arms with struts between the arms to the outer band with scalloped outer rim. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-200 B.C. There is incrustation on the surface, and the outer rim is slightly dented, but generally the pieve is in good condition.' 26.7 grams, 50 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered U-22, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Modelled in the round on a waisted rectangular base, head turned. 91.31 grams, 10.56 mm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

Pillow-shaped tablet with impressed text. 143 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.

Bifacial stamp seal, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Bifacial Stamp Seal of Green Stone, 18.5 x 8mm. The one side shows a spiralling device with notched curving arms. The other side shows an eight-pointed star with filling motifs between the arms. The seal is pierced at the widest point. This comes from west-central Asia and dates to c. 2500-2000 B.C. The side with the spiral was original with the seal, but the design on the other side may be a little later, perhaps c. 2000-1000 B.C. Similar designs to the spiral have been found on seals coming from the southeast Karakum desert.' 4.78 grams, 18 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered 2009, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Comprising a bulbous body with an everted rim and a large loop handle to the rear, the rim decorated with alternating lines and dots. 339 grams, 16 cm wide



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Including thistle-head finial, openwork cross finial and other types. 64.5 grams total, 9.4-16.4 cm



From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.

Rectangular body with integral suspension loop and engraved grid of dot-in-lozenges on the obverse. 7.61 grams, 37 mm



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

Cylinder seal with star motifs and a knobbly staff, two opposing figures flanking a tree; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2 grams, 16 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue slip with collection no.53.

Biconvex globular body with tubular neck and flared rim, loop handle to the neck; three stub feet to the base. 750 grams, 20.7 cm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Discoid stamp seal with segmented face and a flat back with a loop handle, the design consisting of a central circle from which two layers of bands spread towards the edge. 38.7 grams, 48 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Round openwork body with loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 45 x 45 x 15 mm. This is roughly round, with flat face and flat back and with scalloped edges. A handle of inverted V-shape is mounted on the back. The design consists of an outer scalloped band joined to the centre with straight arms with thickened ends which meet in the middle, but divided into two pairs. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is dented, and has some incrustation on the surface, which could be removed. Generally it is in good condition.' 28.4 grams, 46 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-507, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.