Indus Valley Stamp Seal Collection

Indus Valley Stamp Seal Collection
Late 3rd-2nd millennium BC
A mixed group of five bronze seals including three accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: (K-2) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 55 x 54 x 15mm. This is both compartmented and open-work, with an elaborate design. Top and bottom are ovals represented by broad bands, and the outer tips of which are four shapes: two circles on the outside and two ovals with one pointed end on the inside. These major oval bands are supported by two short curving outer bands at the side, and the whole is strengthened by curving struts. Loop handle on back. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in fair condition. the major outer bands are broken at a few points and some of the struts are missing, but the general design remains entirely clear, and is interesting.'; (U-407) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 61 x 59 x 16mm. This is round, with flat face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of three animal protomes spiralling from the centre, with plant-like motifs between them, the whole enclosed within an outer band. The animals have sharp snouts and pointed ears, perhaps wolves. the design is repeated on the back with linear engraving. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is an extremely rare design, and a large piece. it is generally in good condition, though the outer rim in worn down in parts and dented.'; (C-4) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 52 x 53 x 22mm. This is round, compartmented, and partly open work. In the centre is a small circle, around which is a kind of cross with zig-zag edges between the four extremities. A large circle surrounds this cross, and the rim is formed of twelve loops joining at the point nearest to the middle. The seal comes from west central Asia, and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a fine design, and while there is incrustation on the surface, the metal appears to be in very good condition.'; the rest comprising: one discoid with design of eight arms extending from the centre, curled round at the rim, inverted V-shape handle to the reverse; one roughly square in shape divided into quarters, each quarter filled with two struts forming three oblong shapes, two quarters with outer wall absent, the other two with outer wall dented. 176 grams total, 49-61mm (2-2 1/2"). Fine condition. [5]
Provenance
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.