Egyptian Deep Blue Faience Shabti with Hieroglyphic Inscription

Standing figure of the goddess, wearing a striated lappet wig topped by her characteristic headdress, with her arms at her sides; supported by a dorsal pillar pierced once for suspension. 1.68 grams, 34 mm



Ex early 20th century collection, London, UK.

This amulet represents Nephthys (Egyptian: Nebet-Hut), a protective goddess closely associated with mourning, magic, and the afterlife. Often depicted as a woman with her name in hieroglyphs atop her head, Nephthys is Isis’s sister and, together with Isis, plays a central role in the funerary rites of Osiris. Amulets of Nephthys were often worn or placed among the deceased’s wrappings to invoke her protective role during the journey to the afterlife. As a divine mourner, Nephthys was believed to guard the dead and assist in their rebirth, making her amulet a symbol of divine protection, sacred lamentation, and renewal.

Housed in five linen-covered boxes, covering ancient Egypt, Aswan, Karnak, Philae, Medinet, Step Pyramids, Nile birds and animals, boats, irrigation, Palestine, Damascus, Greece, Pompeii, Baalbek, Byblos, personal slides etc. 4.32 kg total, 26.5 x 16.5 x 6.5 cm each box



Property of archaeologist Stephanie Gee, N.W. London, UK, 1960s-1980s.

Stephanie Gee was a prominent archaeologist who took part in several expeditions in Egypt. She was a trusted assistant to the British-Australian archaeologist Veronica Seton-Williams, who excavated in Egypt, Britain, and the Near East. Stephanie also took part in the Tell El-Farâ'în expeditions of 1965-1968, and assisted Seton-Williams with preparing the 1966 expedition report. Their collaboration continued and Stephanie helped with the manuscript of Seton-Williams’ book ‘The Road to El-Aguzein’, a narrative account of her life that was first published in 1988.

Globular body with short socket and thickened rim; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 457 grams total, mace: 60 mm high



Ex Norman Fargo collection. with Olympia Auctions, 26 June 2024, no.119. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Norman Fargo was born in Los Angeles, California in 1945, the son of Hungarian immigrant Frank and his wife, Rose. His lifelong passion for collecting began at the age of six with a simple interest in rocks. By the 1960s, Norman had become a dedicated student of antique arms and armour, developing a deep appreciation for both craftsmanship and historical context. He began collecting at a time when many items now considered rare were still relatively accessible. A friendship with renowned collector Howard Curtis—whose important collection was partially sold at Christie’s, London in 1984—opened doors to early and exceptional material. Norman also acquired outstanding pieces from respected figures such as Frank Bivens and others known today through museum and auction catalogue provenance. Alongside his core collection of arms and armour (c.1450-1700), Norman developed an eye for period furniture and accessories. He also built a growing collection of Pre-Columbian art with an emphasis on Southern Mexican cultures, particularly Veracruz, as well as fine examples of Japanese Satsuma ware and cloisonné.