Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead

Modelled in the round figurine of a sturdy horse with saddlecloth and chest-band, bridle and reins, integral rider wearing a Phrygian helmet. 140 grams, 88 mm wide



Formerly in a private collection, Beirut, Lebanon, 1990s. Swiss private collection, acquired from Mr H., Geneva, 2010. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13178-249181.

The figure possibly represents a Phrygian cavalryman of the Persian Achaemenid army. It shows minute details of the harness, with a muzzle and snaffle bit, which suggest Assyrian or Syrian origin. The transversal decoration of the antilina strap recalls that of the Persian cavalry of the period (Cassin Scott, 1977, plate D).

With mythological winged animals, 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: 'Description of Stamp-Cylinder Seal of black stone, 25 x 19 mm. Sides: two walking winged horned quadrupeds, a backwards looking horned quadruped. Base: a recumbent horned quadruped. This is from Urartu, the area around lake Van, and dates from c.900-700 B.C. The creatures depicted are typical of Urartian art generally. Save for a chip off the handle, condition fine.'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.65 grams, 24.7 mm



Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1987.

Rectangular in plan with rounded ends, incuse Kufic text in two lines. 1.1 grams, 13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.