Western Asiatic Polished Stone Macehead

Pillow-shaped with bands of cuneiform text on both faces and on the three edges, one edge with a seal impression; repaired. 173 grams, 10.3 cm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. 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 early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

Biconvex in profile with broad flat faces. 136 grams, 34 mm



From the London collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999.

With lions and horned animals between scrolls, 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 Cylinder Seal of Hematite, 22 x 13 mm. Main scene: two lions facing, on their haunches, upended quadruped with big ears between them; above and below elegant guilloche. Minor scene: two facing quadrupeds with big ears, bush between, below them a guilloche, below that a prancing horned animal and two fillers. Horizontal rules mark off each part of the design. Syrian, c. 1700-1600 B.C., somewhat worn, but the cutting of hight quality.'; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a pair of red stone beads. 8.98 grams, 22 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, 1970-1993.