Egyptian Red Quartzite Granite Hieroglyphic Fragment

Plano-convex in section, underside with nfr and ankh hieroglyphs meaning 'good life', with a stylised lotus plant motif above and below. 2.36 grams, 20 mm



Excavated from Egypt in 1914. From the private collection of Mr David Sams and his wife, Elizabeth Kate Sams, gentry and amateur archaeologists who travelled to Egypt in 1914 with their daughter, Ethel. Mr Sams and his wife led digging expeditions from which these items come, from the family estate of Mr and Mrs Sams, by direct descent to their granddaughter.

Ellipsoid plaque with recurved lateral arms and ribbed loop, the underside depicting an advancing winged figure flanked by uraei. 25.6 grams, 33 mm



London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent.

Depicting the cloth-wrapped head of a lady, mounted on a wooden stand. 40.9 grams total, 51 mm including stand



Acquired from High Street, Herne Bay, circa June 1957, for £1.00. Certificate of antiquity no.668 of Blanchard's Egyptian Museum, Cairo. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by an old handwritten information card by Peter Clayton, collection no.11.

This head comes from a draped female figure, known as the Tanagra-type, often wearing elegant himations (cloaks) and wide-brimmed hats (tholia), or holding accessories such as fans, wreaths, and mirrors.