Old Babylonian Administrative Text Clay Cuneiform Tablet

Written over two principal faces and two side edges: 'From Warassa to Iluni comprising: 1. Usual greetings. 2. The king of Der asks Iluni to provide him with men because he lacks manpower to do the harvest. He offers to retain an escort when it returns from Susa. 2. Warassa justifies the small amount of copper he sent to Iluni at his request. The stock of copper in the palace of Der is empty and what was left had to be used for the manufacture of ex-voto for the god Ištaran. The remission of debts also contributed to the impoverishment of the palace. Nevertheless, Warassa bought copper and sent it to Ešnunna, which amounts to 5 talents. 4. A sum of money is sent to Iluni in exchange for the sending of 5 young people who will enter the service of the palace.' (M. Guichard). 238 grams, 11 cm



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. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no. 201148.

Segmented wheel with U-shaped loop; 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. 46 x 48 x 18. This is roughly round, compartmented, and open work except for the central star. There is a largish circle in the middle, a six-pointed star around it. and a band of 11 oblongs around the outer edge. 6 in three pairs matching the points of the stars [sic]. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is well preserved and a largish example of its kind. There is a loop handle on the back.' 35.5 grams, 47 mm



From an important London, UK, collection, 1970s. Accompanied by a scholarly note by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology.

Pillow-shaped and bearing text to both principal faces and one side edge. 26.8 grams, 35 mm



From an important collection formed before 1988.