Late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of five bronze stamp seals comprising: one discoid with horned quadruped and leaf to the field, u-shape handle to the reverse; one formed as a guilloche knot, looped handle to the reverse; and three accompanied by a typed and signed note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (U-279) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 42 x 28 x 9mm. This bears the shape of the scene depicted, in very deep relief on the back, and in intaglio on the face. It shows a lion rearing and biting the back of a camel fallen on its front paws. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is an outstanding piece of great rarity, perhaps unique, and is also in good state of preservation. The object has been conserved.'; (U-263) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 30 x 30 x 9mm. This is round, with scalloped outer edge. The design is engraved on the face, and the back is divided into 16 segments, and each segment is divided into four portions by three concentric circles. In the centre of convex back is a pierced small loop. the design shows a bird of prey pecking at the head of a fallen human corpse. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It has a rare design of much interest and is in fair condition.'; (D-4) 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 31 x 30 x 6mm. This is roughly round, with scalloepd edges. The face is flat with a design hollowed out in it. The back is roughly flat, thinning to the edges, with a small loop handle and a design of four motifs starting from the handle. The design on the face shows an eagle swooping down on a snake. This is a seal from west central Asia, c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is in reasonable condition.' 84 grams total, 26-40mm (1-1 1/2"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers T-25, Y-364, U-263, U-279, D-4,academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [5]

Fine condition.