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

Comprising (from left to right, top to bottom): 1) a scarab with an oval border containing a goose, nefer(?), and a reed leaf; 2) a scarab with an oval border featuring a triple lotus flower motif at the top and bottom, with a middle row of floral bundles; 3) a scaraboid with a long oval border containing a cross pattern incorporating scrolls, coiled cords, and floral elements; 4) a scarab with an oval border featuring a hes-jar flanked by two cobras; 5) a scarab with a standing male figure holding a sceptre/mace and a flail, flanked by two highly stylised rearing cobras; 6) a plain scarab; 7) and a scarab with an oval border containing the name Amun-Re, a neb symbol, and a lotus flower. 13 grams total, 11-23 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Open-structured fragment of a decorative garment ornament (likely a tabula or portion of clavus band); mounted in a protective acrylic display. 83 grams total, 16 cm including stand



with a privately curated collection, 1980s-early 2000s. From the private collection and estate of Christine Simons (1943-2025), West Midlands, UK.

Depicted as a naked dwarf with short limbs; pierced to rear of the neck for use as an amulet; mounted on a display stand. 7.88 grams total, 40 mm high including stand



Ex Herbert A.Cahn, Basle, 1960s.

Herodotus mentions Pataikos as a dwarf-like depiction of Ptah, although the god’s ancient Egyptian name remains unclear. These small amulets symbolise Ptah’s immense magical power, which helps protect the wearer from dangerous creatures such as snakes and crocodiles. The deity’s role in the funerary sphere is explained in Spell 164 of the Book of the Dead, where Pataikos is used to safeguard the deceased’s heart from attacks by enemies and from bodily decay.

Carved with lateral lugs, a pronounced rim surmounted by a ribbed suspension loop. 1.05 grams, 18 mm



Ex London collection, 1990s.

Ancient Egyptians regarded the heart (ib) as the seat of intelligence, emotions, behaviour, and memory. During the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ ceremony, the heart spoke for the deceased before Osiris and accounted for their actions. For this reason, Egyptians placed heart amulets on mummies to protect the organ and secure a favourable judgement.

Hollow-formed vessel with bulbous body and two flared feet below, vertical handle with loop finial and moulded mummy and dolphin motif; marine accretion; inked to underside 'Ex M. Suzanne / Alexandria / 1903-1920'. 178 grams, 19.5 cm



From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.

Mixed group of scarabs and scaraboids, with hieroglyphs and symbols to the underside. 12.08 grams total, 16-19 mm



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

Comprising: a lapis lazuli scarab in a gold funda from a ring; a glazed composition bead with a high-relief sleeping monkey motif on the obverse with a figurative and hieroglyphic legend on the reverse. 2.86 grams total, 12-17 mm



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

Modelled in the round as a hedgehog with a square hatched body, almond-shaped eyes and a short snout; drilled for suspension. 3.79 grams, 20 mm



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.

Modelled in the round with a segmented upper face, plain underside and a transverse suspension hole through the body. 0.93 grams, 10 mm



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

Striped linen fabric, embellished with red wool and linen tapestry featuring butterfly-like motifs; side clavus decorated with alternating dots and geometric bands; S-twist. 24 grams total including paper folder, 36.5 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The fragment might have belonged to a wall hanging, but its resemblance to the fabric from Antinoe and its lightness do not rule out the possibility that it was part of a scarf.

Rectangular openwork plaque with two blooming lotus flowers, one on each side, pierced twice for suspension. 1.77 grams, 14 mm



From an early 20th century UK collection. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.

A tablion in purple and red wool on linen, showing a male figure inside a medallion, four circlets on the corners. 3.41 grams, 82 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The tabula, or tablion, was a square embroidery used to decorate tunics or mantles. Such images, depicting black warriors or hunters, are possibly related to the Dionysiac cortege or to Nilotic iconography.