18th Dynasty, 1479-1425 B.C. A carved stone scarab or bead, plano-convex in form with gusset to the outer edge and longitudinal piercing; obverse with profile bust including detailed tiered hairstyle, large lentoid eye with brow detail, full lips; reverse with incuse scene of the pharaoh on his chariot pulled by a horse, royal cartouche and symbols in the field. See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, for discussion of the type. 12 grams, 34 mm (1 1/4 in.). Acquired 1979-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11289-192750. Thutmose III was the sixth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ruled Egypt for more than 50 years (generally dated from 28 April 1479 B.C. to 11 March 1425 B.C.) His official reign began at the age of two and lasted until his death aged 56, but the first 22 years of his reign were under co- regency with his stepmother, Hatshepsut, with Thutmose serving at the head of the military. At the end of his reign, he appointed his son, Amenhotep II, as his own co-regent after the early death of his firstborn son, Amenemhat III. Thutmose III conquered territory from Syria to Upper Nubia to create the largest empire Egypt had ever ruled.