Central Asian Compartmented Stamp Seal Collection

3rd-2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of bronze stamp seals, six 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-869) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 32 x 15 x 24 mm. This is very roughly oblong, with tall stalk handle ending in a loop on the back. The design is compartmented and consists of two looping shapes and two blobs. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2200-1800 B.C. What remains is in fair condition, but the object appears to be incomplete.'; (T-561) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 26 x 26 x 12 mm. This is roughly square, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design is compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central cross, each arm of which meets a figure which extends to each corner, leaving four crescents, one in the centre of each side of the square. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C and has an unusual design. The metal has been conserved and it is in very good condition.'; (U-222) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 44 x 43 x 16 mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design is roughly that of a formee cross divided into sections by short straight strokes. There is a rhomb in the middle, broad V-shapes in each arm: one nearer the centre, and one at each outer corner, creating a three-arm figure in each arm of the cross. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. There is heavy incrustation on the surface, which could be removed, and there is some wear of the edges, but the metal appears to be sound.'; (V-5) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 38 x 39 x 12 mm. This is roughly round, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a central circle surrounded by four shapes whose outer edge is alternately scallops and straight lines, and these four are surrounded by eight shapes within a plain outer border. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The outer rim is bent and worn, and there is a nick on the handle, but otherwise the piece is in very good condition.'; (R-496) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 34 x 34 x 16 mm. This is round and open-work, with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design consists of a circle with simple cross dividing it into four quarters, and two of these not adjacent to each other are further divided into rough triangles and oblongs by one line. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design and the seal is in very good condition. Some incrustation on the surface could be removed.'; (R-458) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 38 x 38 x 19 mm. This is round , with scalloped outer edge, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central Greek cross within a circle, around that eight 'petals'. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in very good condition and an attractive piece.'; (U-357) 'A Stamp Seal of Bronze, 32 x 31 x 13 mm. This is round with notched outer edge, with flat face and slightly convex back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design, which is compartmented, consists of two concentric circles surrounded by zig-zag outer rim. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is generally in good condition and is a fine example of its kind.' 164 grams total, 15-43mm (1/2 - 1 3/4"). 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.