Bidspirit auction | Scythian Bird of Prey Mount

Scythian Bird of Prey Mount - 1st millennium BC A bronze strap slider with radiating bands; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Decorative 'Badge' of Bronze 48 x 42 x 14 mm. This is flat, with a loop on the back, through which would be threaded a strap or cord so that the object would decorate the person or animal to which it was attached. The object depicts the head of a bird of prey in a flat engraved surface, with big eye, beak with curving end, and projections above the head. The neck has a ruff consisting of seven 'rays' ending in circles, four pointing one way, three the opposite way and joining in the middle. This comes from eastern Iran or west central Asia and dates to c. 1000-200 B.C. There is chipping of the end of the beak and of one of the circles, and the piece is a little worn and bent, but it is generally in good condition.' 15 grams, 47mm (1 3/4”). Fine condition, usage wear. Provenance The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; item number T-147; academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.