Indus Valley Stamp Seal Collection

23rd-20th century BC
A mixed group of bronze seals comprising: one with unidentified form with central compartments and multiple curved extending arms, handle to the reverse; and 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-459) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 55 x 54 x 22mm. This is roughly square with scalloped corners. the face is flat, as is the back and a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted on the back. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of a central quadrate cross, the arms of which extend and form simple crosses, the side arms of which join crescents connecting each pair. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The outer rim is worn on one side, but generally this is in very good condition.'; (K-5) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 39 x 38 x 16mm. This is round, with flat face and back, on which is mounted a loop handle of inverted V-shape. the seal is compartmented and open-work, and shows a scorpion within an outer band. The feelers and legs of the insect reach this outer band, and a curving strut fills what would be an otherwise open space. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300--2000 B.C. Save for a little denting of the outer rim it is in very good condition, and has a fascinating design.'; (D-51) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 54 x 53 x 24mm. This is round, with scalloped edges, with flat face and back, the back having a pierced handle in the middle. The face has a compartmented design. It is an elaborate design composed of circles and curling lines, but it seems to be abstract. This comes from west central Asia, and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a very large seal, and the design is fascinating. The metal is in fine condition.'; (T-795) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 45 x 44 x 16mm. This is round, with outer scalloped edge. The face is flat, as is the back on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a small central square on each side of which is an oblong arm, the whole forming a Greek cross which is enclosed within a circle of eight compartments with straight bottom and sides but arched tops. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The metal is sound, but there is some wear to the edges, and slight damage to a few of the compartments.' 193 grams total, 39-59mm (1 1/2-2 1/4"). Fine condition. [5]
Provenance
The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers K-5, D-51, T-795, T-459, X-325, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.