Central Asian Compartmented Stamp Seal Collection

3rd-2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of stamp seals, six accompanied by typed and signed scholarly notes issued by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (V-808) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 22 x 18 x 15 mm. This has a flat face and flat back on which is mounted a stalk handle with suspension loop. The design, which is partly done in open-work, is hard to understand, party due to damage to one side. It might depict an insect. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2100-1800 B.C. There is some incrustation, which could be removed, but some parts of one side are now missing.'; (C-15 ) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 37 x 33 x 13.5 mm. This is an open work seal, with a V-shaped handle on the back. The design consists of parallel sides (or top and bottom) with diagonal lines from the corners crossing in the middle, and a square created around the crossing point, with struts supporting this square from the parallel sides. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is incrustation on it which could be removed, but the metal is in very good condition.'; (T-753) A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 22 x 22 x 18 mm. This is a round disc, with flat face and slightly convex back in the centre of which is a stalk handle ending in a round loop. The design on the face, done in raised lines, consists of an outer circle on which rest four crescent shapes, two opposite ones joined by a straight line. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2200-1800 B.C. There is some pressed earth and incrustation on the surface, which could be removed, but the piece is generally in good condition.'; (T-898) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 22 x 22 x 18 mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face, and flat back, on which is mounted a tall angular pierced handle. The design consisted of a central quadrate cross and a further such cross joined on the the end of each arm. In each cross is a spike at the centre. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. One of the outer crosses is now missing, but otherwise the piece is in good condition, one of the remaining crosses being a little damaged.'; (R-763) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 27 x 27 x 20 mm. This is a round disc with oblong handle, pierced, mounted on the back. The design is let into the flat face and consists of a central dot and four V-shapes based on the outer rim. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed, though there is some damage to the design.'; (R-793) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 20 x 18 x 9 mm. This is round with scalloped edge and flat face. The back is convex with a low loop handle in the middle, pierced for suspension. The design in the face is compartmented and is a kind of rosette, with a central circle and six scallops around the edge. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is thick incrustation on the surface, which could be removed, the metal underneath appears to be in very good condition.' 120 grams total, 20.5-50.5mm (1 - 2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [10]
Condition Report: Fine condition.