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

Pillow-shaped with columnar ribbing to the broad faces, dense cuneiform text in the columns. 57.2 grams, 63 mm



Private collection of Mr K., Maryland, USA. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12893-241757.

The 2nd millennium B.C. (about 2000–1000 B.C.) was an important period in the ancient Near East, when major civilisations such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, Hittites, and Egyptians grew in power and influence. It was a time of progress in trade, government, law, and writing, helping us understand how people lived and worked. Cuneiform tablets, which are small clay tablets written in one of the earliest writing systems, were widely used to record business, legal matters, letters, and stories. When these tablets are found outside their place of origin, it can show connections through trade, travel, or official communication, offering insight into both the ancient world and how such objects later moved through collections.

Haematite domed seal with domed top, four flat sides, incuse crescent moon and wreath to underside. 28.1 grams total, 23-29 mm



From the deceased estate of a specialist collector of seals, Woodbury, Connecticut, USA. From a private collection acquired in 2006.

Standing figure with applied eyes and beaked nose, lateral braids of hair and fringe, hatched collar, arms bent with hands flat on the chest; heavily restored. 57.2 grams, 13.2 cm



From a private St. Albans, UK, collection, formed 1960s-1990s.

Plano-convex in profile with an incuse motif of an antelope with legs folded beneath the body; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.8 grams, 13 mm



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

Rectangular in plan with pyramidal body and square-section shank, applied brass trefoil; underside with hatched design and calligraphic text; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 10.3 grams, 19 mm



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

Discoid in plan and pierced transversely with D-shaped gold caps at each end; mounted on a custom-made stand. 88 grams total, 84 mm wide including stand



Private collection, acquired on the UK art market, 2000. Private collection, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12877-241681.

The Sumerians used agate for beads and even for making ceremonial axe-heads. The engraving of agate, especially to produce cameos and intaglios, is an art which was principally cultivated by the Greeks and the Romans. In addition to the artistic excellence of the engravings, many of the early works show great skill in using the different colourings of the agate for decorating the figures.

Scaraboid type with possibly three lines of lightly incised text; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.73 grams, 15 mm



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

Modelled in the round with pinched limbs and dorsal ridge; applied pellet eyes; with old collector's record card. 41.2 grams, 69 mm



Acquired from John L.Homan, Lincolnshire, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by an old original handwritten information card.

Formed as a dished rosette with central tubular socket flanked by pierced lugs; applied foliate loop handle. 140 grams, 86 mm



From an old Carmarthen, Wales, collection. Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.

Biconvex in section with scooped end, ovoid panel with reserved text. 5 grams, 24 mm



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

Squat in profile and of tiered construction with strap handle and broad pouring lip, bands of polychrome painted foliage decoration. 407 grams, 12.7 cm



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

Formed as a standing goat with curved horns, decorated with panels of scrolling foliage and chevrons, recessed circles to the ears, legs and chest, with remains of blue glass or enamelling to some, punched ring-and-dot eyes also with remains of red glass or enamelling. 79 grams, 59 mm



H. Baba Gallery, Davies Street, 2000. Ex central London gallery. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, gentleman.