Western Asiatic Stamp Seal Collection

4th-1st millennium BC. A group of ten stamp seals, including two accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (U-55) 'Stamp Seal/ Bead of Translucent Stone, 27.5 x 14.5 x 8mm. This is a kind of ovoid, with ends cut off to accomodate the hole, and ridges in the centre from end to end on both sides. On one side both halves have engraved what appear to be alphabetic inscriptions, though different from each other. So far it has not proved possible to decipher them. This is reported to have come from west central Asia, which is entirely possible, but the bead may be earlier than the inscriptions: such beads may be even 4000 B.C., but the inscriptions must be later than 1000 B.C.'; (U-596) 'Stamp Seal of Dark Stone, 15 x 22 x 13mm. This has a flat oval face and back which rises to a pinched ridge, through which it is pierced. The design shows a small sitting spinging creature. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 1200-600 B.C. it is a rare type and in good condition.';the rest comprising: six plano-convex with ovoid base, all pierced, one with angled cross; one with canine chasing an animal, possibly a pig; one with irregular swirling cross design; one with four drilled lines forming a border and a central drilled curved line; one with field of dots, each with two or three short arms; and one with standing ibex; a triangular tabloid seal with triangular design to the upper face and addorsed horse protomes to the lower face; a triangular-section stamp with design to three sides, one with snake, one with ibex head and on with piriform shape formed of repeated notched lines. 72.6 grams total, 18-36mm (3/4-1 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 155, 1935, R-613, R-852, U-55, V-427, V-596, V-928, Y-573, Y-574, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'Items are made from limestone (5), marble (2), serpentine (2), and jasper (1).' [10]
Condition Report: Fine condition.