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

Discoid stamp seal with segmented face; 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, 41 x 41 x 13 mm. This is round with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central square which is joined to an outer band by struts: straight ones from the middle of each side of the square, short ones ending in crescents from the tips of the square. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition.' 19 grams, 41 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-690, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

With seated figure extending one hand holding a cup towards two standing figures in floor-length robes facing him; two columns of cuneiform text to the rear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.97 grams, 28 mm



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

Frieze with two opposed standing figures wearing floor-length robes with fringed edges, ovicaprids and other beasts in the field; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.69 grams, 28 mm



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

Small rectangular tablet with impressed text on four sides. 24.1 grams, 37 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.

White metal ring with the shoulders formed as birds with spread wings, conical bezel set with a carnelian cabochon engraved with a scorpion. 10.16 grams, 32.39 mm overall, 18.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex English collection of Mr A.H.D. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.

Graduated group of glass, stone and shell beads with four larger feature beads at the centre; restrung. 47.1 grams, 45.5 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Showing a crescent moon and a standing beast, unusual filler motifs including a snake, an altar and a seated deity with a fringed skirt; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.65 grams, 20 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.50.

Shallow sheet-bronze bowl with sloping walls and flattened base. 123 grams, 14.6 cm wide



From a London, UK, collection, 1990s-2010.

Discoid footed dish with raised rim, central tondo with parcel-gilt ring and 'tamga' motif. 466 grams, 22 cm



Private collection, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13029-247330.

During the Sasanian Empire, the North Iranian ‘tamgas’ became ‘Neshan’ or seals and heraldic symbols of nobility and military personnel, worn on their dress, horses, standards and personal belongings like this vessel. This characteristic continued during the early Muslim domination. Among the Neshan published by Christensen, one particular ‘tamga’, related to an unknown Sasanian clan, recalls exactly half of the one impressed on the present example (Farrokh, 2005, p.23 no.5).

Mixed group of seven rings, one set with a carnelian cabochon. 49 grams total, 20-28 mm



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

Fragmentary seal with flying gryphons; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.36 grams, 24 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.80.

Comprising: a white stone cylinder seal with lozenges and 'eye' motifs; a brown stone cylinder seal with a standing robed figure and a standing quadruped; a small cream cylinder with three deeply carved motifs; a black stone fragment showing the body of a seated figure; a black stone cylinder seal fragment showing a winged genie and two smaller standing figures; supplied with museum-quality impressions. 16.03 grams total, 13-25 mm



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