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LOT 0451
Egyptian Steatite Bifacial Scaraboid Seal
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
3/4 in. (1.92 grams, 18 mm).
An oval plaque pierced longitudinally, one side with a reclining lion, the other with hieroglyphs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. Hall, H.R., Catalogue of Egyptian Scarabs, Etc., in the British Museum I, Royal Scarabs, London, 1913, p. 98, nos. 1004-1005, for scarabs with similar sphinx and cartouche arrangements.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0451
Egyptian Steatite Bifacial Scaraboid Seal
Estimate £80 - 100€93 - 116 (for guidance only)$108 - 135 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Egyptian Faience Shu Amulet
Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
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. -
Very Large Egyptian Expedition Lithograph of the Isle of Philae
Early 19th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £40
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. -
Egyptian Faience Eye of Horus in Gold Pendant
Late Period, 664-332 B.C. and laterEstimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising a turquoise-glazed wedjat amulet set in a 14-carat gold pendant mount. 1.09 grams, 14 mm
Ex important German collection, 1960-1990.
The wedjat-eye amulet (also called the Eye of Horus) became one of the most recognisable symbols in ancient Egyptian culture. It signifies protection, healing, and restoration. In myth, Horus lost his eye during his battle with Seth, and it was later magically restored, symbolising healing and the return to wholeness. The Eye of Horus came to embody divine power and protection, and was often used in amulets to safeguard and promote well-being.
