Indus Valley Stamp Seal Collection

Indus Valley Stamp Seal Collection
Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC
A mixed group of five bronze seals, including two 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: (U-617) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 31 x 46 x 14.5mm. This bears the shape of the design, with flat compartmented face and flat back, on which is mounted a handle of sheet metal with ridges along the edges. The design shows a small standing animal with short legs, big eye, snout and ear falling backwards at the back of the head. There is a short tail. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It covered with incrustation, which could be removed, but is a rare design and the metal appears to be sound.'; (P-51) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 63 x 57 x 20mm. This has a flat face and back, on which is mounted a handle of inverted V-shape. The seal takes the shape of the design, and is both compartmented and open-work. It consists of six arms each based on the centre. Two opposite arms end roughly as Latin crosses. The other four are meant to the be the same and end with a wide crossbar with two steps above it on each side reaching to the end. The seal is strengthened by struts connecting the six arms. This seal comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has an unusual design and is in good condition, only the handle is slightly damaged.'; the rest comprising: one discoid with compartmented cross design and scalloped edge; one with openwork flower with seven petals within a scalloped border; and one discoid with zoomorphic creature; all with handle to the reverse. 156 grams total, 40-64mm (1 1/2-2 1/2"). Fine condition. [5]
Provenance
The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers X-931, N78, N81, P-51, U-617, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.