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Lot 44
Rare gents 1930's vintage Rolex Prince wrist watch, rectangular face, consisting of a square dial and a lower circular seconds dial, stainless steel case. No 09945 1490, brown leather strap Time piece works for a few seconds and then stops, all original workings, dial and hands. Stainless steel case is tarnished with some minor surface abrasions. Glass dial has some scuff marks and a tiny chip to one corner
Lot 1135
WESTERN LOT of UK QUADS x 8 - THERE WAS A CROOKED MAN (1970) / FORT MASSACRE (1958) / WILL PENNY (1968) / COMPANEROS (1970) / THE HUNTING PARTY (1971) / SILVERADO (1985) / THE RARE BREED (1966) / BUFFALO BILL & THE INDIANS (1976) - 8 x British UK Quads - 30" x 40" (76 x 101.5 cm) - Folded (as issued) - Very Good minus to Very Fine minus (on average)
Lot 1293
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977) - RARE - British record store quad film poster featuring Tom Chantrell's cinematic Style C. artwork. This is mounted on board & was used in store by PYE Records to promote the soundtrack album - 30" x 40" (76 x 101.5 cm) - Flat/Unfolded (as issued) - Very Good plus
Lot 1296
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977) Lot x 3 - RARE - British paperback novel tie-in posters x 3 - 2 x posters promoting STAR WARS (20" x 30" & 19.25" x 11"). These are 'early' posters for the movie as show the original lettering with pointed W & the third the 'sequel' novel by Alan Dean Foster for SPLINTER OF THE MIND'S EYE (18.5" x 27.25") - Folded (as issued) - Very Fine plus (on average)
Lot 1432
JAMES BOND: TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997) - UK/British One Sheet Movie Poster - Withdrawn version; Mis-spelling of 'TOMMOROW' & Pierce Brosnan with stubble - First Release/Printing - A RARE uncommon format for this poster, more commonly available as a UK quad - 27" x 40" (68.5 x 101.5 cm) - Near Mint minus - Rolled (as issued)
Lot 211
19th-late 16th century BC. A jasper cylinder seal with a robed king holding in both hands a kid as an animal offering, facing right the ascending sun-god Šamaš ('lord of judgement') holding his attribute, the saw-toothed blade, point upward and resting his right foot on a big fish, the robes of both men fall open, between them sun disc above with the crescent moon and below a little nude goddess holding a vase; here the foot of the sun god is not standing as usual on a mountain, a dais, a couchant human-headed bull or a merman on a big fish, a very rare representation, the inscription reading: 'dŠamaš(utu) 2 dA-a dŠamaš: sun-god who represents the brilliant light of the sun and was regarded as a god of truth, justice and right. dAya: goddess of light, the consort of Šamaš, she is associated with sexual love and fruitfulness.' For animal offering before the sun-god Šamaš on OB cylinder seals cf. Collon, D. Catalogue of the Western Asiatic Seals in the British Museum. Cylinder Seals III: Isin/Larsa and Old Babylonian Periods, London, 1986, pl.XXV and XXVI; for the representation of fish on OB cylinder seals see ibid., figs.119, 127, 267, 292, 297, 388, 512, 513, 519, 520, 558; for the inscription cf. ibid., figs.1, 3, 9, et al. 4.41 grams, 24mm (1"). From the collection of a Cambridge connoisseur, Cambridgeshire, UK; formed in the early 20th century; accompanied by a museum quality seal impression. Fine condition. Very rare.
Lot 430
Mainly 3rd-2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of stone and ceramic seals and beads, including four accompanied by a typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (R-132) 'Ancient Engraved Bead 16 x 33 9 mm. This was a barrel-shaped bead, pierced lengthways, and on it one one side a browsing horse was engraved. More recently about one third was cut away leaving the horse as the prominent aspect. This is reported to have come from west central Asia, which is very probable, and a date c. 1000-500 B.C. is the most likely for this rare item. The lower parts of the horse are rubbed, but the whole is entirely clear.'; (1813) 'Fragment of Black Stone with Engraved Animal, 35 x 39 x 13.5 mm. This is a broken piece of a stone tablet which has been re-used by having a linear horned animal put on one side, and a hole drilled for suspension. The animal reminds one of rock carving in the Near East, and this fragment is very probably to be dated c. 3000-1500 B,C. Most likely it was used as an amulet and comes from Syria, Palestine, Anatolia or western Arabia. There are remains of carving on the other side also, perhaps a bird.'; (18) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 8 x 9 x 4.5 mm. This has an oblong flat face, sides that flare out a little, and a domed top. It is pierced lengthways. The design shows a a [sic] horned animal falling on its front paws, and a linear symbol. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, perhaps c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in fine condition.'; (T-966) 'Stamp Seal of bone, 40 x 32.5 x 4mm. This oblong, the whole somewhat curving towards the shorter sides. The design on the face consists of a network of 'passageways' in connecting groups. The emphasis is on avoidance of right angles and long straight lines. There are two holes in the centre of the object for suspension of the piece, both into the same groove. this comes from the Indus valley and dates to the early Harappan period, c. 2500 B.C. Related examples have been excavated at Mehrgarh, but smaller and with simpler designs. This is a rare piece and in quite good condition. The surfaces and edges are worn down, but the whole design remains clear.' 74 grams total, 9-40mm (1/4 - 1 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item numbers 18, 50, 1117, 1813, R-132, R-830, R-913, T-966, W-235, V-599, V-659; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s with notes for 18, 1813, R-132. Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'The items are made from ceramic (3), jasper (3), white metal (1), bone (1), jet (2) and serpentine (1).' [11] Fine condition.
Lot 372
5th-4th century BC. An aqua glass rhyton with detailing and chamfered rim, conical body with eighteen graduated circumferential ribs, thickened collar with notches indicating the mane and incised ears, lion-head finial with gaping mouth; eyes, teeth, nose and muzzle with cut detailing. See von Saldern, A. Glasrhyta Festschrift für Waldemar Haberey, Mainz, 1976 for discussion. 257 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Property of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 2010 from a private European collector living in South Kensington, London, UK; previously acquired in 1991. The luxury glass items produced in the Achaemenid Empire are of exceptional quality, made in the royal workshops at Persepolis, Susa and Ecbatana, possibly utilising the skills of Assyrian workmen. By the 7th century BC, attempts were underway to produce a clear (non-coloured) type of glass in imitation of the rare mineral rock crystal. The de-colourising agent(s) used include antimony (and later manganese), and great care was taken to exclude iron from the material. Clear glass became highly desirable and production spread across the Aegean. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition.
Lot 213
11th-6th century BC. A wheel engraved striped agate cylinder seal depicting a pair of standing birds, accompanied by a museum quality impression and a typed, unsigned scholarly note by W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which states: 'The design shows a pair of facing, standing birds with a stylized tree or symbol between them. This belongs to a little known type of cylinder seal from ancient Iran, probably dated to c. 1000-500 BC. It is engraved entirely with the wheel, and is in good condition.' 1.85 grams, 16mm (1/2"). Property of a Mayfair, London, UK, ancient art collector; acquired in the 1970s-1980s; inventory number 50. Very fine condition. Rare.
Lot 471
2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze incense burner with globular body standing upon a flared foot, narrow neck and flared rim; decorated to the upper zone with geometric design, belt around the centre from which extends a long round-section handle with twisted design; two s-shaped struts connecting the body and handle to either side, each with a small bird perched atop, Bactrian camel to the top of the handle, terminal with decorative knop and bifurcated stand supported on an elliptical base. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1987.142.145a–c for a similar type. 485 grams, 24cm (9 1/2"). Property of a Middlesex collector; acquired on the London art market before 2000; formerly in an old English collection. Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 153
2nd-3rd century AD. A silver gilt brooch depicting a draped bust of Sol (Greek Helios) with radiate crown, upon a calyx with tendrils, curved upwards to frame the bust; pin and catch plate to reverse. 9 grams, 30mm (1 1/4"). Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975. Very fine condition. Extremely rare.
Lot 593
6th-7th century AD. A flat-section openwork gilt-bronze mount depicting two profiled raven-heads flanking a stylised standing figure; ravens with characteristic right-angled bow above the eye, coiled beak and long curved neck; figure with T-shaped nose and brow, crescent mouth, arms extending to the waist, flanking the chest with cross motif; lower body is formed as a band of three square cells, with legs spread below, triangular motif between; two attachment studs to the reverse. Cf. Hammond, B. British Artefacts – volume 1. Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2010, item 1.4.5-r. 5.04 grams, 26.42mm (1"). Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman, UK; found Eyke, Suffolk, UK. Very fine condition. Very rare.
Lot 518
3rd century AD. A bronze parade helmet comprising a bowl of plaited bronze strips with hollow tapering bronze crest, frontal panel with repoussé wreath detailing and triangular plate to the rear; a matched pair of bronze hinged cuff vambraces of similar plaited-strip construction. Cf. Travis, H. & J. Roman Helmets, Stroud, 2014, fig.101 for type. 3.2 kg total, helmet: 32cm, bracelets 12cm (12 1/2"). Property of a central London collector; imported from Switzerland in 2009, previously acquired from Mr George Kotolakis in Geneva in the mid-1980s. Accompanied by a report of metallurgic analytical report number 122668/575, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. The use of bronze parade helmets by the Roman military is documented, although the type with a silvered face-mask (cavalry sports helmets) is best known. The plaited or openwork construction is paralleled on the later iron type found in Vendel Period (6th-7th century AD) Sweden (e.g. Valsgärde graves 5, 6) which in turn have Roman and Sassanian antecedents. Vambraces of splinted type also feature in the contemporary armaments of the Vendel Period graves. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition. Very rare.
Lot 592
6th century AD. A gilt-bronze square-headed brooch with applied silver plaques comprising rectangular head-plate, shallow bow, pelta-shaped footplate with lateral panels; the headplate with median square panel and ladder detail, horse-shoe punchmarks to the three sides, applied silver plaques to the corners; the bow pyramidal with applied square button, silver border; the footplate with trilinear volute scrolls and Style I face, silver plaques to the lateral lobes and discoid finial; catchplate and strap to the reverse, ferrous accretion to the headplate. Cf. example from Kenninghall, Norfolk, UK, with similar silver plaques in MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E. A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 13.15 and augmented bow ibid., item 13.4. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. 57 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Found Suffolk, UK. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. Excessively rare type.
Lot 411
4th-2nd millennium BC. A group of eleven seals comprising six accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1933, which state: (R-14) 'Ring-Stone of Lapis, 11 x 8 x 3mm. This is oval with flat face and flat back with rounded edges at the back. the design shows a human seated as if on a curling snake and holding up a rod. This is reported to have come from west central Asia, which is most likely. This type is rare, and so difficult to date with certainty, but perhaps c. 1500-500 B.C. is correct.'; (R-417) 'Half a Gable Stamp Seal of Black Stone, 39 x 28 x 8mm. This shows a finely rendered standing stag with unidentified matter under its snout. This comes from Syria-Anatolia and dates to c. 4000-3400 B.C. It is a large and good quality depiction, but while the stag is virtually complete, the other half of the seal, with no doubt another identical stag, is missing.'; (U-380) 'Stamp Seal of Black/Grey Stone, 47 x 34 x 12mm. This is a gable in shape, pierced through the thickest part. The design shows two standing horned quadrupeds, one above the other, with filling strokes around. This comes from north Syria or Anatolia and dates to c. 400-3400 B.C. it is a large example of its kind, and is in very good condition.'; (U-446) 'Stamp Seal of Black Stone, 26 x 20 x 5mm. This is an oblong plaque, engraved on one side only, with two suspension holes for carrying on a string. The design consists of angular grooves: a pattern of straight strokes or stokes turning at right-angles, never curved. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2500-2300 B.C. It is a rare item and in quite good condition, the corners being a little worn down.'; (T-611) 'Stamp Seal of Black/Green Stone, 15 x 19 x 4.5mm This is an oblong plaque, pierced twice, through opposite corners. Both sides have designs, done in the same style of short wedge strokes. The one shows a recumbent winged quadruped with tree in front of it. The other side also, it seems, depicts a recumbent winged quadruped. This comes from eastern Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 2000-1500 B.C. It is a rare type, but is worn.'; (W-72) 'Stamp Seal of Grey Stone, 43 x 65 x 6mm. This is an oblong plaque with design on one side, not pierced. The design shows a lion on its haunches with curving tail raised. This comes from northern Mesopotamia or Anatolia and dates to c. 4000-3400 b.C. It is a rare item for both size and shape. Above the lion's back there are crescents on poles and in front of the lion there are less clear scratchings. These may all be secondary. The plaque is worn and chipped and its plain back is much scratched.'; the rest comprising: three oblong plaques, two bifacial stamps and one oblong seal with gable-shaped reverse. 159.7 grams total, 11-65mm (1/2-2 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 1729, 4074, R-140, R-417, R-586, T-611, V-380, V-446, W-72, W-840, Z-81, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'The seals are made from lapis lazuli (2), serpentine (3), bone (1), limestone (5).' [11] Fine condition.
Lot 627
Early 16th century AD. A silver seal-top spoon, the fig-shaped bowl flaring from the hexagonal-section shaft; the fluted baluster seal knob engraved with a capital 'A' on the rounded upper surface; possibly of West Country manufacture. 65 grams, 19cm (8"). Ex Horton collection; formerly with Bonhams, auction 17834, lot 71; found on the River Thames foreshore and recorded with the London Museum. Fine condition, lacquered. Rare.
Lot 549
11th-10th century BC. Believed to be the largest known bronze brooch of its type known to exist, formed as two lozenge-section bars with a tight spiral to each end, larger median spiral with coiled spring and wound catch; eight openwork vertical plaques each with a stylised duck above and loop, pair of rings twenty-three sword-shaped pendants and one chevron-shaped. See similar brooch in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Accession Number: 2007.498.1a, b. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. 855 grams, 40cm (15 3/4"). Property of a German lady living in London, acquired from Gorny & Mosch, auction 198, 29 June 2011, lot 54; previously property of an English professional, acquired before 1970s. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. Also accompanied by a copy of positive metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr. Peter Northover (ex Department of Materials, Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group & Department of Materials, University of Oxford) and a copy of the original invoice. Extremely fine condition. A museum-quality piece, excessively rare in this size.
Lot 546
2nd century BC-1st century AD. A carved limestone statue of a figure with segmented cap, deep shoulders, braided hair to the reverse, low-relief angled arms holding a sword(?) and dagger(?); gusset to the waist, rectangular panel to the reverse. 5.6 kg, 27.5cm (10 3/4"). Property of a English gentleman; formerly the property of a Munich collector; previously in a German collection formed in the 1980s, supplied with geologic report No. TL004946, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 597
9th-10th century AD. A bronze discoid head from a dress pin with central quatrefoil within a double incised circle and similar to the outer border; incised (pseudo-?) runic inscription within the concentric rings; solder scar to the reverse for attachment of the pin. 3 grams, 27mm (1"). Found Hampshire, UK, 2018; accompanied by a copy of a Portable Antiquities Scheme report, PAS HAMP-0EE512. The inscription is enigmatic, probably Anglo-Saxon runic, but awaits interpretation which will only be possible when a range of similar finds is available for study. Runic pin-heads from the 8th century are evidenced, including the famous example from Malton, Yorkshire, in the British Museum (accession number 2000,0508.1) and a more recent find from Lincolnshire (PAS - DUR-79B856"). The present find suggests a continuation of this tradition into the period of Viking incursions, possibly influenced by Scandinavian runic practice. Very fine condition. Extremely rare.
Lot 423
4th-1st millennium BC. A group of ten stamp seals including five accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993 which state: 'Stamp Seal of Green/Black Stone, 25 x 26 x 8mm. This has a square flat face, and the back is curving from side to side, the sides being cut off, and the hole is drilled through them. The design consists of a horned animal within a notched frame. The creature is standing, has very long horns, and his front paws are bent. This is a seal from Syria/Anatolia, c. 4000-3400 B.C. It is a good example of its type, and in good state of preservation.'; (R-815) 'Stamp Seal of Dark-Red Stone, 17.5 x 17 x 5.5mm. this is square, with notched edges and flat face, pierced through two opposite tips. The design on one side shows a plant with side shoots and bloom on top. The other side shows a detailed design no easily interpreted, though it too might be a plant/ This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. it is worn, but the designs remain entirely clear.'; (W-43) 'Stamp Seal of White Stone, 20 x 23 x 9mm. This is an oblong plaque with pierced and grooved suspension loop of one piece on the back. The design on the face shows a standing bison with some probably cultic object under its head, and script symbols above its back. This comes from the Indus Valley or a neighbouring area and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with glaze and in good condition. The design is the classic Indus Valley seal design.'; 'Stamp Seal of Soft White Mineral, 16 x 15 x 16.5mm. This is a roughly square plaque with raised centre on the back pierced for suspension. The design on the face is a linear pattern: a swastika within a square with four arms from this square filling space left by the swastika. This comes from the Indus Valley civilization and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a little damaged, but generally in fair condition.'; (T-564) 'Mould of Grey Stone, 26 x 28 x 11mm. This is roughly square, with rough back and sides. The mould on the face shows a man and woman sitting in amatory pose with a tall standard at each end of the scene. This comes from west central Asia and is clearly under Greek influence. and to be dated to c. 200 B.C. to 100 A.D., From Greek Bactria, or a successor kingdom. It is a rare item and in quite good condition.' 99 grams total, 16-43mm (1/2-1 3/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 2913, R-418, R-815, R-833, R-850, T-564, W-43, W-163, Y-439, Z-69, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'The seals are made from serpentine (2), glass (1), limestone (6), chalk (1).' [10] Fine condition.
Lot 3
New Kingdom, 1550-1070 BC. A carved granite shabti with floral headdress on the tripartite wig, beaded collars, agricultural tools in the crossed hands, seed-bag to the shoulder, winged Ba-bird to the midriff. 300 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired before 1970. Accompanied by a scholarly note from Dr. Ronald Bonewitz. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Very fine condition. Rare.
Lot 424
3rd-1st millennium BC. A group of ten seals including three accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which state: (T-582) 'Stamp Seal of Dark-coloured Stone, 24 x 23 x 9mm. In shape this is a rough hemispheroid with a flat patch on the back, pierced diagonally. The design, in drill holes, shows a horned animal down on its front paws. This comes from Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 3400-2800 B.C. It is badly worn in parts, but the design is complete and clear.'; (T-638) 'Stamp Seal of Black/Green Stone, 22 x 21 x 6mm. This is a rhomb with notched sides, pierced twice, through opposite corners. The designs on both sides are erotic. The one shows a woman with legs apart, the other shows a scene of coitus a posteriori, with the woman drinking from a pot through a straw. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-1800 B.C. It has an extremely rare pair of designs for this area and period. It is a little damaged, and the designs have been cleaned out.'; (R-84) 'Stamp Seal of Lapis, 14 x 12 x 8mm. When complete this was roughly square, with a flat face, notched sides, and a loop handle on the back. The face has a design entirely of drill holes, consisting of a simple cross with decorated ends to each arm, and triangular fillings within the triangles so created. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. One side is broken off and missing, but what remains is in good condition.' 57 grams total, 11-30mm (1/2-1 1/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 1955, 2927, 6812, R-84, T-544, T-582, T-638, V-33, V-273, W-246, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'The seals are made from serpentine (2), jasper (1), limestone (4), lapis lazuli (3).' [10] Fine condition.
Lot 247
21st century BC. A war-club or sceptre head with tubular socket curving to a flared finial with domed striking face, lentoid flange to the rear of the neck; the bulb with a dedicatory inscription to the Simaški-Elamite King Kindattu, 6th king of Anshan (ca. 2000 BC, contemporary with the Mesopotamian Third Dynasty of Ur); the inscription, following contemporary Elamite custom, written in Sumerian: '(For) Kindattu, king of Anshan, …, his servant, fashioned (this)'; the 2nd and 4th signs of the name of the dedicator (line 3) cannot now be read due to patination. 206 grams, 85mm (3 1/2"). From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990. The Simaški dynasty ruled Elam circa 2100-1970 BC. King Kindattu was one of twelve Simaškian kings mentioned in the king-list from Susa. The first part of this period was characterised by incessant Mesopotamian attacks on the Persian plateau; the principal objective seems to have been Simaški, the homeland of the Elamite dynasty of kings. These aggressive campaigns alternated with periods of peace and diplomatic manoeuvring, marked by important strategic alliances formalised through dynastic marriages. For example, Šu-Sin of Ur, after having given one of his daughters in marriage to a prince of Anshan, led at least two expeditions to the southeastern coast of the Caspian. But Mesopotamian power was weakening, and the last king of the dynasty of Ur, Ibbi-Sin (2028-2004 BC), was unable to penetrate deeply into Elamite territory. In 2004 BC the Elamites, allied with the 'Susianans' under the leadership of Kindattu, sixth king of Simaški, conquered Ur and led Ibbi-Sin away to Elam as a prisoner. Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 598
6th-7th century AD. A bronze applique in the form of a male head with horned headgear; piriform face, lentoid eyes, the nose covered by the nasal of the headgear, the beard triangular and the ends of the moustache extending beyond the cheeks; hair covered by a helmet or mask with hatched texture, extending around the upper face and developing to two crescent extensions from the temples which meet above the crown of the head; the terminals are formed as birds' heads and show evidence of gilding; three integral attachment pegs to the reverse. Cf. Hammond, B. British Artefacts - volume 1. Early Anglo-Saxon, Witham, 2010, item 1.4.5-r; Raynor, K. The Rempstone Mount: Anglo Saxon and Viking Horned Man Images & Artefacts, Nottingham, 2010 ; Pestell, T. Paganism in Early Anglo-Saxon East Anglia in Heslop, T.A., Mellings, E.A. and Thofner, M. Icon? Art and Belief in Norfolk from Prehistory to the Present, Woodbridge, 2012, figs. 6(a,b"). 5.42 grams, 35mm (1 1/4"). Found at Melton, Leicestershire, UK and recorded with the PAS under reference LEIC-40DB05. The headgear with bird-head terminals is restricted to the 6th-7th centuries in England although there are parallels from the material culture of both Anglian England and southern Scandinavia at this time. A pair of comparable bird-helmetted human faces can be found on the reconstructed frontal plates on the helmet found in Mound 1 at Sutton Hoo (Suffolk) depicting dancing warriors, and the male face shown on a foil fragment recovered from the barrow at Caenby (Lincolnshire"). Similar also is the figure on one of the dies found at Torslunda (Öland, Sweden) showing a male wearing a helmet with a pair of bird-headed horns. A long, triangular male face is shown on the vandyke designs on the foil horn mounts from the barrow at Taplow (Berkshire"). A male figure wearing a helmet with horns and bird-head terminals is the central design on a long triangular buckle found in grave 95 at Finglesham (Kent), and also from Finglesham (grave 138) is a mount in the form of a long, triangular human head with vertical radiating bands from the top of the head, and two crescentic horns emerging from the crown, terminating in opposed birds’ heads which meet above. A similar mount was found at Rempstone (Nottinghamshire) and privately published in Raynor (2010) another was found more recently at Attleborough (Norfolk"). A mount depicting a similar figure, showing the upper body with hands gripping spears, was published in Hammond (2010"). The significance of the headgear has not been fully explored but the coincidence of the birds and the head recall the later myths of Oðinn and his bird messengers, and suggests that these mythic characters were familiar in early Anglo-Saxon England. Fine condition. Excessively rare.
Lot 445
Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A half life-size terracotta figurine showing a standing soldier with staff weapon in the right hand, wearing a tunic and jerkin; separate head. 17.6 kg, 107cm (42"). From the Cheuk family collection, Hong Kong, 1980s; accompanied by original thermoluminescence report no.C118j5 issued by Oxford Authentication, dated 12 July 2018. Fine condition. Rare.
Lot 428
3rd-1st millennium BC. A group of ten stamp seals including five accompanied by typed and signed notes by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which state: (1605) 'Stamp Seal of Brown Stone, 18 x 20 x 12.5mm. This seal has a flat oblong base, ridged sides flaring inwards to the handle, which is pierced. It has two grooves over the top, and another groove around the sides. The design shows a prancing stag with a bird(?) above its back and two wedges between its legs. This is a seal of Syria or Anatolia, c. 900-600 B.C. It is in good condition.'; (T-553) 'Stamp Seal of Green Stone, 24 x 23 x 18mm. This has a roughly flat square face and sides that flare inwards to a ridge supporting a platform on which is a pierced loop handle. The design on the face shows a standing horned quadruped and various extra cuts, including a simple cross. This comes from west central Asia or some area to its west and dates to c. 4000-3400 B.C. It is a little damaged, but generally in fair condition. The extra cuts were made in the ancient world as the seal passed to a new owner.'; (R-441) 'Stamp Seal of Dark-coloured Stone, 24 x 18 x 13mm. This is oblong with a flat face, and sides which flare inwards to the base of a recumbent quadruped, between the legs of which it is pierced. The design shows a standing human frontally, apparently holding something in one hand, and with a blob above one shoulder. This is a rare design, but no doubt from Syria or Anatolia, dating to c. 1200-600 B.C. The back is damaged, and the object generally is worn.'; (W-44) 'Stamp Seal of White Stone: 14 x 15 x 8mm. This is an oblong plaque with pierced suspension loop of one piece on the back. The design on the face shows a bison with head down in trough and above it script symbols. This comes from the Indus Valley or a neighbouring area, and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is cracked, but otherwise in good condition. So far the script has not been deciphered.'; (1518) 'Bifacial Stamp Seal of Fawn Stone, 31 x 21 x 12mm. On the one side is a heraldic eagle, with wings spread and tail feathers down. Each side is a scrolling line. On the other side is a standing man, with hair hanging down to his shoulder, a scabbard at the waist, and raising one hand. Other small items occur to his right and left, but are now partially obscured by incrustation. This seal comes from eastern Iran or Bactria, and dates to c. 2300-1800 B.C. It is a rare item, but a little worn on the clear side, and in need of cleaning on the other side.' and four bifacial seals, one white oblong-shaped with hatched quatrefoil design to one side, camel to the other; one square with two facing figures to one side, to the other an assortment of symbols including a crescent, two vase-shaped symbols, a circle and a plant; one black oblong-shaped with two horned quadrupeds to one side, ten vertical lines to the other; one oblong seal with tall body gentle sloping to a round knop handle, to the face a stylised horned zoomorphic head; one black square seal with ridged and pierced knop handle, to the face a canine and a galloping quadruped, possibly a horse. 111 grams, 14-31mm (1/2-1 1/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 235, 1585, 1605, 1730, R-441, R-565, T-553, V-653, W-44, Y-385, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr. Bonewitz notes: The seals are made from serpentine (3), limestone (3) , bone (2), ceramic (1), jasper (1"). [10] Fine condition.
Lot 363
Mainly 1st millennium BC. A mixed group of bronze stamp seals, mainly scaraboid and rectangular in shape, mainly zoomorphic designs and some with text; fourteen examples accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993 which state: (25) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 14 x 10 x 6 mm. This is roughly oblong with rounded corners and pierced lengthways. The face shows a design within beaded border, in two registers.The upper register shows a stylized tree or plant and to each side of it a bird. The lower register shows two facing feline heads with jaws open and between them an unidentified item. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 500 - 100 B.C. It is generally in very good condition, though a hole has opened from the back to the main and original hole.' (24) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 11 x 10 x 5.5 mm. This is a broad scaraboid, pierced lengthways. The design is divided into three registers by a [sic] two notched lines, and the whole is also enclosed within a notched line. The central register has three times, perhaps vessels, and the upper and lower registers have similar designs, tête bêche, perhaps birds on the wing. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, with a rare design, perhaps c. 700-400 B.C. It is in very good condition.' (23) 'Bifacial Stamp Seal of Bronze 13 x 9 x 4 mm. This is oval with flat faces, and pierced lengthways. The one side shows two facing, rearing horned animals, with a strong tree or other item between them. The other side (seen by turning top to bottom, not side to side) shows two kneeling humans with tree or standard between them, to which they are raising their hands. In a second register above is a row of two recumbent animals, the first with head turned backwards. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal. c. 300 B,C. to 200 A.D. The worship scene is very rare, and the seal is in good condition.' (19) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 7 x 10 x 4 mm. This is a scaraboid, pierced lengthways. The face shows a horned animal in full gallop (?) with something under its body. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c.300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in very good condition.' (12) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 10 x 8.5 x 7 mm. This has a flat oval face, sides that flare out, and a domed top rising to a point. It is pierced lengthways. The design, which is put within a beaded frame, shows two rearing horned animals with heads turned backwards, and between them a monogram: [..] probably to be read K-R-B, an attested Old Arabic name. This is a pre-Islamic Arabic seal, probably c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in fair condition.' (11) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 11 x 9 x 5 mm. This is a scaraboid, pierced lengthways. The design, which is put within a linear frame, shows three registers. In the middle and main register is a tree, and to each side of it a browsing quadruped shows sideways. Above are two facing birds(?), and below is a similar design tête bêche. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in good condition.' (10) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 15 x 10 x 5 mm. This is scaraboid, pierced lengthways. The design, which is put within a beaded border, shows a rearing quadruped, a crescent with dot, and other fillers. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. There is some corrosion on the surface, but generally it is in good condition.' (8) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 10 x 15 x 7 mm. This is a scaraboid in shape, pierced lengthways. The design, which is put within a beaded border, shows a horned animal in full gallop with head turned backwards, and some fillers. This is a Pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. There is some corrosion on the surface, which might be capable of being removed, but generally this is in good condition.' (7) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 10 x 16 x 7 mm. This is a scaraboid in shape, pierced lengthways. The design shows a prowling lion within a beaded border. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in good condition.' (6) 'Bifacial Stamp Seal of Bronze 14.5 x 10.5 x 3.5 mm. This is of roughly oval shape, and originally had a loop along the top, pierced for suspension. This is now broken along the hole. Both designs are put within linear borders. On the one side is a prancing quadruped above a walking quadruped, with unidentified motifs between. The other side shows two rearing horned animals with head turned back, and an unidentified motif between them[,] other items beneath them. This is a Pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 600-300 B.C. Save for the missing loop[,] it is in good condition.' (5) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 15 x 9.5 x 6 mm. This is a scaraboid pierced lengthways, with a design within a beaded frame on the face. It shows a rearing horned animal with head turned back to avoid an attacking rearing lion. This id a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It is in good condition.' (3) 'Bifacial Stamp Seal of Bronze 16 x 11/5 x 6 mm. This is a scaraboid in shape, pierced lengthways, and the designs on both faces are put within beaded borders. The flat face shows two rearing horned animals with heads turned backwards to face each other, and unidentified items between them. The convex back shows a prowling feline with long tail raised over its back. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, c. 300 B.C. to 200 A.D. It suffers from some corrosion, but the designs can be made out, and it is unusual for the two designs.' (2) 'Stamp seal of Bronze 16 x 11 x 6.5 mm. This is scaraboid in shape, pierced lengthways. The face shows a design enclosed within a beaded border: two rearing horned animals with heads turned backwards, the between them two linear symbols: ?? While these have some resemblance to letters of the Old Arabian alphabet, they cannot be identified with certainty. This is a pre-Islamic seal, c. 300 B.C to 200 A.D. It is in fine condition.' (1) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze 25.5 x 14 x 8.5 mm. This is scaraboid in shape, but is not pierced lengthways as is normal, but has a pierced loop at the top and a small globe [sic] is added on at the bottom. The face shows a standing man with arms extended, done in a matchstick style. This is a pre-Islamic Arabian seal, but a rare type and difficult to to date, but perhaps c. 1000 to 500 B.C. is right. There is some incrustation on the surface, but the metal is generally in very good condition.' 72 grams total, 10-26mm (1/2 - 1"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 23, 24, 25; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s and notes present for all except number 9. [15] Fine condition.
Lot 520
8th-11th century AD. A Viking or Norman four-plate iron helmet, constructed of triangular sections, skillfully made to accommodate the curvature of the human head and with a slight point at the apex; contoured so that the front and back plates overlap the side-plates by 1-2cm, with iron rivets passing through this overlap to secure them in position; the rivets worked flat into the surface of the helmet, almost invisible from the outside but detectable on the inner surface; the inverted lower rim furnished with an additional series of rivets, probably to accommodate a lining; pegs at the base of the side-plates, where the cheek-plates were originally attached; the plate-junction at the apex with loop, allowing a plume or horsehair streamer to be inserted, or a conical covering plate to be attached. See Curtis, H. M., 2,500 Years of European Helmets, North Hollywood, 1978; Denny, N. & Filmer-Sankey, J., The Bayeux Tapestry, London, 1966; Kirpicnikow, A. N., Russische Helme aus dem Frahen Mittelalter Waffen- und Kostamkunde, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, pt. 2, 1973; Menghin, W. The Merovingian Period - Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, p.326-7, item I.34.4. 789 grams, 21cm wide, 19cm high (8 1/4"). Formerly in an old private collection. Authenticated by I. Eaves, Arms and Armour Consultant; and accompanied by a report of metallurgic analytical results, written by Metallurgist Dr. Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford. Helmets of this general profile and with some form of conical crest are a long-lived military fashion in the Black Sea region, and appear in designs on the bone facing of a Khazar saddle of 7th-8th century date from the Shilovskiy gravefield (Samara region); a similar helmet (of presumed 5th century AD date) is housed in the St. Petersburg Museum (inventory reference PA72), previously in the MVF Berlin until 1945 under inventory ref.IIId 1789i. The rivetted-plate construction was employed across Europe from the Migration Period through to the 12th century: it is this form which appears on the heads of English and Norman warriors in the Bayeux tapestry. Fair 'as found' condition. Rare.
Lot 412
3rd-1st millennium BC. A group of ten stamp seals including four accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (T-556) 'Stamp Seal of Dark-coloured Stone, 18.5 x 21 x 10mm. This is a thick oblong plaque, pierced the short way, with designs on both sides. The one shows a lamp on a stand. The other shows a running horned quadruped. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 500-100 b.C. It is a rare type, and in mint condition.'; (T-899) 'Stamp Seal of Black/Green Stone, 35 x 35 x 7mm. This is a square plaque. The design shows a heraldic eagle with head sideways at the top, wings spread and tail feathers down. In its beak it holds a snake, the body of which crosses the eagle's body, and in on talon it is gripping some small creature. The plaque is pierced from front to back through an upper corner and two other corners are trimmed. This comes from west central Asia and is a rare type not easy to date with certainty, but a date c. 2000-1000 B.C. is the most likely. The design is well preserved, and deeply cut.'; (-585) 'Stamp Seal of Green Stone, 22 x 21 x 15mm. This originally had a flat, nearly square face, and a back which rises steeply to a pierced lug. The design on the face is a pattern of shapes: a cross-effect formed of four pointed narrow shapes, and in the four quarters so left vacant there is a triangle. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2000-1500 B.C. It is a nice example of its kind, but one corner is missing and the whole is worn.'; (W-42) 'Stamp Seal of White Stone, 21 x 22 x 10mm. This is an oblong plaque with an oblong, ridged and pierced loop of one piece on the back. The design on the face shows a composite creature: standing human-like figure at the front, body and hind quarters of a quadruped added on at the back. This comes from the Indus Valley or a neighbouring area and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has a rare design, but the seal has a little damage, and there is some hard incrustation on parts of the surface.' 90 grams total; 22-35mm (3/4-1 1/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers 1720, 4003, R-848, T-556, T-899, V-655, V-585, W-42, W-245, W-834, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Dr Bonewitz notes: 'Seals are made of limestone (7), serpentine (2) and jasper (1).' [10] Fine condition.
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