Central Asian Compartmented Stamp Seal Collection

Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of stamp seals, some accompanied by a typed and signed scholarly note issued by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: (T-728) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 36.5 x 32 x 17 mm. This as a compartmented, open-work design, and is made in that shape, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle with oval top resting on two legs. The design consists of a central circle containing a simple cross, each arm of which extends beyond the circle and divides into two parts a linear figure resting on the circle with curved outer edge and flaring-out sides. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The metal has been conserved and is now in good condition, but one of the four sections added to the circle is now damaged and bent, and the whole also is a little bent.'; (T-502) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 23 x 23 x 15 mm. This is a round disc with flat face and flat back on which is mounted a stalk handle with pierced loop on top. The design consists of a linear pattern within an outer rim: two V-shapes and strokes spiralling from the centre. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2200-1800 B.C. There is incrustation on the surface which could be removed. There is some damage to the handle and to the face, but most is preserved.'; (D-10) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 34 x 33 x 18 mm. This is star-shaped with six rays, the flat face being compartmented, the reverse being solid and with a loop handle mounted in the centre. The design on the face shows six irregular shapes in the rays of the star, and a six-pointed figure in the middle. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition.'; (P-29) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 19 x 18.5 x 16.5 mm. This has a roughly square face, flat, and a back which is also flat, with a raised central portion on which is mounted a handle, pierced, with grooves around its bottom. The design consists of two scorpions, tete beche, within a linear frame, and some dotted filling. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2000-1000 B.C. It is not a well known type, so the dating is difficult. It is generally in good condition.'; (U-678) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 25 x 25 x 12 mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back on which is mounted a handle with two grooves over it. The design consists of a central rhomb, one corner of which extends to the edge of the seal, and around the rhomb are five compartments of various shapes, some with enclosed strokes or figures. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is some wear and incrustation on the surface, but it is in fair condition. The design may be intended as depiction, but if so it is not immediately obvious.'; (U-359) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 25 x 25 x 14 mm. This is a round disc with tall angular handle on the back. The face has a compartmented design consisting of a central circle and eight Y-shapes extending from it to the outer rim, thus creating a kind of rosette. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2200-1800 B.C. It is in good condition: the pressed earth on the surface could be removed.' 103 grams total, 14-39mm (1/2 - 1 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.