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

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 68 from Vol .II of Description de l'Égypte : ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française. entiled Thèbes. Hypogées. Manuscrit sur papyrus. 256 grams, 104 x 68.5 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). The papyrus manuscript was recovered from an underground tomb chamber (hypogeum). The text is written in a cursive style of hieroglyphs known as hieratic.

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 1 from Île de Philae entitled Plan Général de l'île et de ses environs. 255 grams, 104 x 69 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). The Philae temple complex was one of the monuments moved during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It was carefully dismantled piece by piece and reassembled on the island of Agilkia.

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.

Schematically modelled a kneeling figure of the god with arms raised above his head, holding a stylised solar disc, pierced through the dorsal pillar; supplied with a stand. 1.49 grams, 18 mm



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.

Shu amulets could serve both the dead and the living: they were placed between the mummy bandages on the lower part of the deceased’s torso, allowing the dead to pass smoothly on their journey towards rebirth; they could also serve as a magical amulet at birth, symbolising a protector of new life.

A blue glazed composition pendant in the form of a lotus, with some repair to the suspension loop. 0.26 grams, 14 mm



Ex early 20th century London collection.

Composed of blue, cream, black, green and red annular beads, restrung with an elasticated string. 2.23 grams, 18 cm



Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private collection.

Conical in profile with narrow foot; old collector's notation to underside: 'Found by Petrie location Ballas and Naqada in 1895'. 375 grams, 15.5 cm wide



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.

Naqada (ancient Nubt) is situated on the west bank of the Nile, and is the type-site for the Predynastic period (Naqada I–III). It was a major centre of trade, craft production, and the process of unifying Egypt. Ballas is situated on the east bank opposite Naqada, and contains important Predynastic and Early Dynastic cemeteries excavated extensively by Flinders Petrie and James Quibell in conjunction with their work at Naqada. Their report was published in 1895.

Comprising: a standing hawk in cobalt blue glass, a standing vulture in white and blue glass with feather detailing on the wings. 4.76 grams total, 20-22 mm



From a 20th century UK collection.

Each with a domed carapace, two with a figure on the underside surrounded by hieroglyphs, two inscribed with hieroglyphic signs. 15 grams total, 18-24 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1992. Ex private collection, UK.

The term ‘Hyksos’ comes from the Egyptian phrase ‘heka khasuwt’, which means ‘rulers of foreign (hill) lands’. The 15th Dynasty was governed by these Hyksos during the Second Intermediate Period. They were not of Egyptian origin but were believed to be Canaanites, and their names were carved on their scarabs.

Fragment from a representation of the nude Aphrodite in high-relief, crouching with her left knee raised and her right knee touching the ground, holding her long hair with her hands and wearing a diadem on her head; an appliqué from a vessel with minor filling at the right thigh. 85 grams, 86 mm



Private collection, Somerset, England. with M.B., Los Angeles County, acquired 2014-2015 at a sale in the UK. with Ancient Resource, USA, Auction 70, 06 October 2018, no.7. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12827-240895.

Anatomical detailing on the head and legs, with the underside featuring sedge plant (swt), ankh, and nefer symbols. 0.89 grams, 18 mm



Private collection, 1990s-early 2000s.

Scarabs featuring this design arrangement have been found in numerous sites in Palestine and were inspired by Middle Kingdom prototypes.

Comprising: carnelian type with plain underside; similar with incuse hand symbol; small greenstone type with scarab beetle and other signs; grey stone type with sphinx, indistinct hes- vase above, and two papyrus stalks below; another with a decorative cartouche panel and other signs; two supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.12 grams total, 10-17 mm



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