Western Asiatic Ground-Down Pierced Shell Mount

Openwork discoid seal with anthropomorphic motif; 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. 57x59x17 mm. This is round, with flat compartmented and open-work face. The back has a stout suspension loop. The design on the face is of a standing creature -- human with bird's head -- and filling shapes. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-1900 B.C. It is a rare design and the seal is in fair condition: some of the edge of the plain outer band is lost.' 53 grams, 58 mm



Ex Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection number Y-905, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

With convex underside and shallow recessed centre to the upper face, pouring lip to edge; mounted on a display base. 1.7 kg, 16.5 cm



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.

Round in section with flattened trapezoidal finals, each incised with a saltire. 6.99 grams, 64 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.