18th-17th century BC. A carved haematite cylinder seal with three standing figures, a spider(?) and a scorpion; a contemporary copy with important details not understood; accompanied by a section of the old scholarly notes on a collection of 61 seals, typed and unsigned, by W. G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Old Babylonian. c. 1800-1600 B.C. Hematite. Istar holding double-lion-headed mace, with foot on lion, facing god with mace and Lamma; scorpion, fish and inverted crescent, also some strokes, added in another style.' 12.81 grams, 25mm (1"). Property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s; collection identification number 15; supplied with a museum-quality impression. This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined in the 1980s by Professor Lambert and most are accompanied by his own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz.

Very fine condition, minor chips around rim.