Western Asiatic Carnelian Gemstone with Calligraphic Text

Openwork seal formed as a spoked wheel, 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, 43 x 43 x 12 mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which a loop handle is mounted. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a rosette, with six 'rays' off a central small circular band, and a plain outer band surrounded the whole, divided into 17 segments. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is some wear and denting, but the piece is generally in fair condition, the metal having been conserved.' 27.9 grams, 45 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered T-871, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Discoid 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, 19.5 x 19 x 22 mm. The round flat face is compartmented, and the solid back rises to a pierced knob handle. The design divided the circle into four parts with two crossing lines, and within each quarter there is a short line starting from the rim but not reaching the centre. This is a seal from west the Bronze Age of west central Asia, probably dates to c. 2000-1500 B.C. There is some incrustation on the surface, which could be removed, and the metal is in very good condition.' 14.2 grams, 22 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered B-34, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Penannular armband with shallow D-section hoop and terminals formed as stylised ram-heads, each with exaggerated coiled horns, circular eyes set with cream-coloured beads and shallow semi-circular muzzles; transverse bands of geometric motifs along the neck. 616 grams, 10.4 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London, UK.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilisation'), which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c. 2250-1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C. Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys, including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable BMAC development.