Sasanian Banded Agate Stamp Seal

Comprising a sharply tapering lower body, parallel-sided upper body and rounded rim; decorated in dark brown with thirteen square panels with central saltire on a hatched field; repaired. 17 kg, 64 cm high



with Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK, 1974. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12972-245238.

Square 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 37 x 35 x 19 mm. This is a roughly square with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted. The design is compartmented and open-work. It consists of an outer band within which a simple cross divided the area into quarters, though only one bar of this cross reaches both ends, the transverse bar is divided into two parts. Each quarter thus created is filled with an L-shape, creating a small square at each outer corner. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The outer edges are dented and the corners worn, but while there is incrustations on most of the surface, this could be removed.' 26 grams, 37.6 mm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor W.G. Lambert with reference no.R-499.

Cylinder seal with frieze; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: "Cylinder Seal of Soft Black Stone. 37 x 25 mm. There are two standing human-looking figures, both clad in robes reaching to mid-calf level, and both having one hand raised. The one faces a tree or bush, the other standing against a background design of uncertain interpretation seems to hold a long spear downwards. The remaining space is divided up by two notched lines, on the top of one of which a bird is perching, and the remaining space is filled with a scorpion, a lion, a quadruped and another bird, while a lunar crescent and very small star occupy an area in the sky. The whole design is placed between upper and lower rulings. This is a Syrian seal, c. 2000-1800 B.C. done in a crude style but one full of interest. It is large and in fine condition and though the style is known, seals of this large size and with such a varied design are extremely rare.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 35 grams, 38 mm



The Collection of Mrs William H. Moore, Eisen, University of Chicago, 1940, no.188. The Ada Moore Collection of Near Eastern Seals, Sotheby's, New York, Thursday, 12 December 1991, no.92. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.