5th-4th century BC. A brown glazed composition scaraboid with incuse winged figure standing beside an ankh within a raised border; accompanied by (A) a note on British Museum embossed paper stating The scarabacus is of Phoenician work, representing a winged figure, behind which is the Egyptian symbol [ankh] life. Date B.C. 600-500. and a pencil sketch ankh on the reverse; (B) a manuscript letter on similar paper dated 20th June 1891 stating Dear Sir, Your note has been referred to me as I answered the former. I passed your question(?) as to the scarab to Mr. Renouf who generally agrees with my reply. 1. I cannot say if the scarab was part of a necklace. 2. The winged figure does not correctly represent any Egyptian divinity, male divinities not being winged. It is an imitation. 3. I am sure that the scarab is of Phoenician work, where made I cannot say, nor can anyone. 4. The substance is I think terracotta but any good archaeologist could tell it (e.g. Canon Greenwell"). 5. Neither Mr. Renouf nor I would call the scarab common, but museums are poor in such works, Phoenician imitations, as they are not sought after. Collectors value notable so after scarab. 5. I would find much on this subject in the Petries volumes in the Transactions of the Egypt Exploration Fund (Naucratis I especially"). Yours faithfully, Reginald Stuart Poole, Keeper of Coins. with a pencil sketch ankh on the last page. 8.49 grams total, scarab: 17mm (3/4"). Property of a Scottish gentleman; formerly in a 19th century collection; accompanied by an original signed and embossed letter and identification slip, both hand-written by Reginald Stuart Poole and dated 20 June 1891.

Fine condition.