Indus Valley Large Stamp Seal Collection

Indus Valley Large Stamp Seal Collection
Late 3rd-2nd millennium BC
A group of three bronze seals including one accompanied by a typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 76 x 74 x 16.5mm. This is round, with scalloped outer edge, flat face and flat back, on which a handle of inverted V-shape is mounted. The design, which is compartmented and open-work, consists of a small central circle around which is a quadrate cross, the open ends of which develop into channels with two 'side-shoots' which reach the edges where they join the scalloping rim. Struts join the tips of the 'side-shoots' to the bases of the scallops. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a large example with fine design and is in unusually good condition, there is incrustation on the surface, which could be removed. the metal beneath is in good condition.'; the rest comprising: one with compartmented design of three concentric circles, all notched to the inner side, surrounded by a border of pointed petals, rectangular handle to the reverse; one with openwork design of a central cross, each arm formed as a flower with three prongs, simple lines dividing the quarters, to the reverse, flowers decorated with additional detail and berry clusters to the edge of each dividing line, tall loop handle. 230 grams total, 66-76mm (2 1/2-3"). Fine condition. [3]
Provenance
The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers T-243, N 12, T-12, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.