Western Asiatic Decorated Silver Pin

Modelled in the round with prominent discoid eyes, diadem to the top and rear of the head with lateral sockets (perhaps for temple-rings?); mounted on a custom-made display stand. 617 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Terracotta pillow-shaped tablet with grid to each broad face, each cell with an impressed image and a corresponding number of impressions from the tip of a rod, a list for the distribution of animals to the contrary reading: Obverse: Column 1 1. 2(N01) , U8 2 ewes 2. 3(N01) , UDUNITA~a 3 male sheep 3. 1(N01) , UD5~a 1 …-sheep 4. 4(N01) , MASZ2 |U4x1(N57)|# 4 goats day 1 5. , GAL~a SAL E~a (name?) Column 2 1. 1(N01) , U8 1 ewe 2. 4(N01) , UDUNITA~a 4 male sheep 3.a. 5(N01) , MASZ2 5 goats 3.b1. 1(N01) , |U4x3(N57)|# GAL 1 large 3.b2. 4(N01) , |U4x1(N57)|# TUR 1 small 4. , |SZE~a.NAM2| … Reverse: Column 1 1. 1(N14) , SAL E~a [...] 1 … 2. 1(N14)# [...] 1 … Column 2 1. 3(N01) , U8 (total) 3 ewes 2. 7(N01) , UDUNITA~a (total) 7 male sheep 3. 9(N01) , MASZ2 (total) 9 goats 4. 1(N01) , UD5~a (total) 1 …-sheep Column 3 1. , |SIxKU~b1| 2(N14) , BA MASZ GAN2 SAL E~a KISAL~b1 (interpretation: distributed in the SI.KU settlement, the wife of E.KISAL being responsible). 72.3 grams, 80 mm



From specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12117-215351.

Comprising four rings with decorative bezels, each with an inscription. 16.5 grams total, 19-21 mm



UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.