Loading, please wait...
LOT 1571
Sumerian Shell Amulet
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (13.1 grams, 52 mm).
Fragment of a carved zoomorphic plaque with a suspension hole at the shoulder and ring-and-dot motifs along the flank; old collector's card 'Sumerian 3rd millennium B.C. Shell amulet in form of a stylised recumbant [sic] animal. Eyes represented by roundels similar on body & drilled for suspension. 60 x 35 mm (max). Similar amulets have occured [sic] at Tel Hadidi & have been dated to 2300 BC. Last auction prices £300-370 each)'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired from John L.Homan, Lincolnshire, UK, 1990s.
Accompanied by an original, old handwritten collector's information card.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1571
Sumerian Shell Amulet
Estimate £50 - 70€58 - 81 (for guidance only)$68 - 95 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Sasanian Agate and Bronze Stamp Seal Collection
3rd-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising mainly D-shaped seals in a variety of materials with designs including a tamga, advancing beast, and other motifs; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.5 grams total, 12-14 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Holy Land Terracotta Jar
Bronze Age, circa 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Globular body with a tubular neck. 334 grams, 11.7 cm high
Ex property of a London gentleman; acquired before 2000. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip. -
Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Worship Scene
Circa 2300-2200 B.C.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Cylinder with standing figures, with restrung red stone bead to each end; accompanied by a copy of 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 Black Stone, 32 x 20 mm. The design shows a row of five standing figures, the first raising one hand over a stand, the other four holding their hands at the waist. All are dressed in long robes to the legs. This is an Akkadian seal, c. 2300-2200 B.C., from Mesopotamia or south-west Iran. It is in good condition, and is a rare type. The engraving is in a rather crude style, but vigorous. The scene is one of worship'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 22.9 grams total, seal: 32.6 mm
Acquired on the French auction market. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13465-262418.
In the Akkadian seals parallel to the rendition of personalised might are scenes depicting quite realistic action of a divine or more divine characters. Later seals are often representing processions of attendants, worshippers (like here) or scenes of husbandry.
