Western Asiatic Bronze Jewellery Punch

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.

Penannular body with keeled upper face and a central rectangular plaque flanked by bands of scrolls and linear motifs, finials formed as beast heads with large ears and slender muzzles. 38.6 grams, 64 mm



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

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 muzzle and snaffle bit, which suggest Assyrian or Syrian in origin. The transversal decoration of the antilina strap remembers that of the Persian cavalry of the period (Cassin Scott, 1977, plate D).