Central Asian Compartmented Stamp Seal Collection

Late 3rd-2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of five bronze seals comprising: one formed as an eight-pointed star with curved serpent to the centre; four 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: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 56 x 57 x 46mm. This consists of a simple cross for the seal, and a tall stalk handle mounted on the back, with head hammered down like a nail head, and a hole pierced close to the head. The design on the face consists of a central circle and three rough oblongs in each of the arms. This comes from eastern Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 2000-1500 B.C. The surface bears some incrustation, which could be removed, and there is a hole in the one arm of the cross, but generally the piece is in good condition.'; (R-462) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 37 x 36.5 x 17.5mm. This is roughly square, with flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a central circle, which is joined to an outer band by eight struts, four to the corners, four to the middles of the sides, which begin as simple strokes then branch out into rough crescents. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is one of the less common types and save for the break of one strut is in very good condition.'; (Q-1) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 49 x 48 x 21mm. This has a flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a sturdy handle pierced near the back of the seal. It is round with a 'milled' edge, and the design consists of a central rosette of four petals with small central circle, and around it, but hardly touching, is an outer circle of eight crescent shapes. The seal comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The face is now covered with incrustation which could be removed, as some of it has been removed from the back. The metal appears to be in good condition, and the only damage is a slight chip off the edge.'; (W-140) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 46 x 45 x 12mm. This is round, with flat compartmented and open-work face, and flat back on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design, which is also shown on the back in low relief, show a seated human figure above an animal not easily identified. A plain band surrounds the whole. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has a rare design, but the rim is worn down and the metal is covered with incrustation.' 213 grams total, 38-48mm (1 1/2-2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers T-476, Q-1, R-462, T-161, W-140, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]
Condition Report: Fine condition.