Treasures of the Ancient World — Ancient Antiquities, Fine Art & Sterling

Wallace Sterling tray, sterling salt dip, sterling bowl, sterling footed bowl

Compotes, basket, toothpick holder, candlestick, pair of shakers

4.5x6.5"

5x3"

Expertise & Descriptions: Burgess Auctions LLC is pleased to present this collection of ancient artifacts. Please be advised that we are not experts or certified appraisers in the field of antiquities. The identifications, dating, and cultural attributions in this catalog were generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and historical collection records. While we have made every effort to ensure descriptions are helpful, they should be considered opinions only and not guarantees of authenticity, period, or origin.

Provenance: Many items in this sale originate from a Private Indiana Collection, with documentation suggesting acquisition prior to 1970. We encourage bidders to rely on the provided provenance and high-resolution photographs.

Condition & Inspection: All items are sold "AS-IS, WHERE-IS." Due to the age of these items, natural wear, encrustation, and minor damage are to be expected. We highly recommend in-person inspection or requesting additional photos before bidding. By placing a bid, the bidder acknowledges they have satisfied themselves as to the identity and condition of the lot.

The collection includes a hand-carved stone lamp of early Near Eastern form showing significant age wear and surface damage consistent with great antiquity; a classic Roman provincial terracotta lamp with intact loop handle in warm terracotta clay; an early hand-formed pinched-nozzle terracotta lamp reflecting the most ancient of construction methods; and a round discus-form terracotta lamp with concentric circle reservoir decoration of late Roman/Byzantine period.

From the collection of Helena Sealock, Anderson, Indiana, assembled over a lifetime of dedicated collecting. Pre-1970 provenance documented.

Condition: Stone lamp shows significant damage and wear. Terracotta examples display edge chips and surface encrustations consistent with age. Offered as-is. In-person inspection encouraged.

A genuine fragment of ancient Egyptian mummy wrapping linen, presented in its original collector's display mount with circular viewing window. The woven linen textile retains remarkable structural integrity and characteristic deep brown patination consistent with millennia of preservation.

Mummy cloth of this type was used to wrap the deceased during the Egyptian mummification process, with multiple layers of linen applied in careful sequence as part of the elaborate funerary ritual intended to preserve the body for the afterlife. Fragments such as this one represent a tangible connection to one of history's most iconic burial traditions.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Offered in original display as shown

Condition: Linen fragment displays age-appropriate darkening and minor fraying at edges consistent with great antiquity. Display mount intact.

A genuine bronze arrowhead excavated from the Amlash region of northwestern Iran, southeast of the Caspian Sea, accompanied by its original typed authentication certificate. The arrowhead displays the classic leaf-shaped form with pronounced central ridge and retains rich verde antique patination consistent with three thousand years of burial. Presented on original wooden pedestal mount.

The accompanying certificate states this specimen was genuinely excavated from the Amlash region, one of the most archaeologically significant areas of the ancient Near East, yielding artifacts spanning cultures from the late 2nd millennium BC through Sassanian and Islamic periods. Arrowheads of this type are dated between 1200 and 800 BC and are represented in major museum collections worldwide. Similar specimens are illustrated in "Stratigraphie Comparée et Chronologie de l'Asie Occidentale" by Claude F.A. Schaeffer (Oxford University Press, 1948).

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Offered with original authentication certificate and display mount as shown. 3.5"

Condition: Excellent. Rich green patination throughout. Mount intact.

A compelling group of three ancient Roman bronze artifacts offered together, each displaying the characteristic craftsmanship and patination of the Roman Imperial period.

The lot includes a Roman ring-handle key with toothed bit, offered with its original black and white collector's photograph and handwritten identification label; a decorative bronze quatrefoil furniture or box mount with open lattice cells and classical circle-and-dot ornamentation; and a curved ribbed bronze implement with zoomorphic terminals, consistent with Roman personal or household use.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: All pieces display age-appropriate patination and encrustation. Offered as-is.

A fragment of original Roman fresco painting recovered from the ruins of ancient Pompeii, preserved in its original hand-carved walnut display mount. The fragment retains vivid bands of deep red, ochre, and cream pigment characteristic of the elaborate decorative fresco programs that adorned the walls of Pompeii's finest patrician homes before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The reverse of the mount bears a hand-written inscription reading: "Fragment of Fresco from House of a Patrician from Ruins of Ancient Pompeii, Destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Obtained by me in Italy in 1902 — D.O.B. AE"

Pompeii fresco fragments of documented early 20th century provenance represent some of the most compelling and legally unambiguous ancient Roman material available to private collectors today. The original display mount with its hand-carved inscription should be considered an integral part of the lot and preserved with the fragment.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Fragment in two conjoining sections mounted to walnut panel. Surface pigment stable. Some edge losses consistent with age. Offered in original mount as shown. 6.5"x 3.75"

A large and impressive ancient Egyptian faience funerary ushabti of the Saite period, presented on its original wooden pedestal mount. Standing 6.5 inches in height, the figure displays the classic mummiform posture with crossed arms holding agricultural implements, wearing the traditional tripartite wig with carefully modeled facial features. The body is covered from waist to base in multiple columns of densely incised hieroglyphic text — passages from the Ushabti Formula (Chapter 6 of the Book of the Dead) calling upon the figure to perform labor on behalf of its owner in the afterlife.

The degraded olive-green glaze patination is entirely consistent with genuine Saite period faience of this type. Authenticated by Egyptologists at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, November 21, 1969, who identified this as the larger of two ushabtis in the collection, attributing it to the Saite period.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Oriental Institute authentication documentation available.

Condition: Glaze degraded to deep olive-brown throughout, consistent with age. Hieroglyphic inscription crisp and legible. Mounted on original wooden pedestal. Minor surface wear. 6.75" tall

An authentic ancient Egyptian faience funerary ushabti of the Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, standing approximately 6 inches in height. The figure presents in classic mummiform form with crossed arms, tripartite wig, and carefully rendered facial features. A cartouche is prominently displayed on the chest, with additional hieroglyphic inscription bands covering the lower body and a dorsal back pillar — features characteristic of quality funerary shabtis produced for persons of status during this period.

The glaze has fully patinated to a warm sandy brown consistent with three thousand years of burial and age. Authenticated by Egyptologists at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, November 21, 1969, who attributed this figure to the 21st Dynasty. Offered with original collector's photograph.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Oriental Institute authentication documentation available.

Condition: Glaze fully degraded to sandy brown throughout. Inscription and cartouche legible. Minor surface wear consistent with age. 5 &7/8" tall

An authentic ancient Egyptian carved stone votive figure standing 3 inches in height, depicting a female deity or ritual participant in the classic posture of mourning — arms raised behind the head in the traditional Egyptian gesture of grief associated with funerary rites and lamentation. The figure wears a tripartite wig and pleated garment with visible vertical striations. The compact form with integral rectangular plinth is characteristic of temple or funerary votive objects of this period. Surface displays rich desert patina with earthen encrustation consistent with long-term burial.

Provenance inscription written directly on the object identifies this piece as from the collection of Major George Anderson of Laversham, England, establishing documented British collection history prior to 1970 acquisition.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Deep earthen encrustation throughout. Minor surface abrasion. Structurally sound. 3.25" tall

Period: c. 1st–3rd Century AD

Dimensions: Bowl: [Insert Diameter]; Cup: [Insert Height]

Material: Terracotta (Red-slip and Black-burnished wares)

Description: A fine pairing of Roman domestic tableware consisting of a red-slip terracotta bowl and a black-ware ovoid cup. The bowl features a classic stepped profile with an out-turned rim and a short, integral ring base. The accompanying cup is of a more robust, ovoid form, decorated with a series of vertical indentations or "thumb-prints" around the mid-body to provide a secure grip—a common and practical feature of Roman tavern or household ware.

Both vessels represent the ubiquitous but highly refined mass-production pottery of the Roman provinces, designed for durability and aesthetic appeal in daily life.

Provenance: From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Both pieces remain intact with no signs of major repair. The red-slip bowl shows minor surface erosions and mineral deposits consistent with burial. The black cup retains a matte finish with light surface wear and minor chipping at the rim, commensurate with age. tallest is 2 &1/8" 

Culture: Ancient Egypt

Period: Late Period, c. 664–332 BC (possibly earlier)

Dimensions: Height: 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) Material: Banded Alabaster (Calcite)

Description: An authentic Egyptian carved stone cosmetic or unguent jar of elegant proportions. Standing 3.75 inches in height, the vessel features an elongated, ovoid form with a gently rounded base and a flattened rim. The craftsman has masterfully utilized the natural horizontal banding of the alabaster to create a visually striking "layered" effect. The interior shows clear evidence of ancient drilling and boring techniques used to hollow the stone.

Provenance: From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Intact. The stone surface exhibits a smooth, aged patina with natural mineral inclusions. The rim shows minor, expected ancient wear consistent with its use as a container for precious oils. 3& 7/8th inches tall

• Period: New Kingdom to Late Period, c. 1550–332 BC

• Dimensions: Height: 2.25 inches (5.7 cm)

• Material: Carved dark stone (Steatite or Basalt)

Description: An authentic miniature stone head of an Egyptian Pharaoh. The monarch is depicted wearing the White Crown (Hedjet) of Upper Egypt, featuring a distinctly carved Uraeus (cobra) at the forehead. The facial features are classically rendered with almond-shaped eyes and a stoic expression. The fragment shows the head and crown, terminating at the neck where it was originally joined to a full-bodied statuette or relief.

Provenance:

• Collection History: From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

• Documentation: Accompanied by an original mid-20th-century black-and-white collector's photograph showing the piece. This documentation establishes the object’s legal pedigree under current international standards.

Condition: Fragmentary as shown (head only). The stone possesses a dark, aged patina with natural mineral deposits. Surface wear is consistent with ancient burial and handled antiquity. 2 &3/8" tall

• Period: New Kingdom to Third Intermediate Period, c. 1550–664 BC

• Dimensions: [Insert Dimensions—typically approx. 1.5 to 2 inches square]

• Material: Glazed Faience (Cobalt Blue)

Description: A rectangular faience plaque, likely used as a votive offering or a funerary pectoral. The piece is finished in a vibrant, deep blue glaze that remains largely intact across the front surface. The face of the plaque is decorated in low relief with the figure of a striding bull, possibly representing the sacred Apis Bull or the god Mnevis. Above the bull are faint hieroglyphic traces. A small suspension hole is visible in the upper left corner, indicating it was intended to be worn or sewn onto a linen mummy wrapping.

Provenance:

• Collection History: From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

• Documentation: This lot is accompanied by an original mid-20th-century collector’s photograph. The presence of this photographic record, alongside the previously authenticated items in the collection, provides strong evidence of its pre-1970 acquisition status.

Condition: Excellent state of preservation for faience of this age. The primary relief is clear and the blue glaze retains a high degree of its original luster. Minor chipping is present at the edges and corners, as shown in the accompanying documentation. It is currently mounted on a modern dark wooden display base. 1&7/8" x 1.5"

• Culture: Roman Empire

• Period: c. 1st–3rd Century AD

• Dimensions: [Insert Dimensions—appears approximately 5–6 inches in width]

• Material: Terracotta, stone, and marble tesserae set in original mortar.

Description: An authentic section of Roman mosaic flooring featuring a bold geometric diamond (lozenge) pattern. The fragment is composed of multi-colored tesserae, including earthy red, buff-cream, and dark grey/black stone. The arrangement demonstrates the opus sectile or opus tessellatum techniques common in the flooring of high-status Roman villas or public buildings. The fragment is substantial, retaining a thick layer of its original ancient mortar backing.

Provenance:

• Direct Inscription: The side of the mortar backing bears a vintage hand-written ink inscription: "SECTION FLOORING FROM ROMAN FORUM - OBTAINED BY ME IN ROME IN 1901. J.O.B.A.R."

• Collection History: From a private Indiana collection.

• Documentation: Accompanied by an original mid-20th-century black-and-white photograph. This piece is a remarkable "time capsule," with its 1901 acquisition date.

Condition: Fragmentary, as is standard for architectural remains. The mosaic surface remains stable and the colors are well-preserved. There is a small vintage paper label adhered to the top surface, consistent with the 1901 mounting and cataloging by the original collector. 5&7/8" x 2&5/8"

• Culture: Ancient Egypt

• Period: Third Intermediate Period, likely 21st to 22nd Dynasty, c. 1069–712 BC

• Dimensions: Height: 5.75 inches (14.6 cm)

• Material: Glazed Faience

Description: An authentic Egyptian funerary shabti crafted from glazed faience. The figure is depicted in the traditional mummiform posture with arms crossed right over left upon the chest. It wears a tripartite wig and holds a pick and a hoe, with a small seed sack rendered in low relief on the back. A central vertical column of hieroglyphic text, framed by horizontal bands, descends the front of the legs, containing a variant of the "Shabti Spell" intended to animate the figure in the afterlife.

The facial features are delicately molded, showing almond-shaped eyes and a slight smile. This specific style of carving and inscription is characteristic of the funerary equipment produced for high-ranking officials and priests during the Theban dynasties.

Provenance:

• Collection History: From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

• Condition: Intact and in a stable state of preservation. The original blue-green glaze has fully patinated over three millennia to a deep, earthy brown, a phenomenon typical of faience buried in mineral-rich soil. The hieroglyphic inscriptions remain crisp and legible. 5&3/4"

A matched pair of ancient Egyptian finger amulets in deeply polished black stone, each carefully carved to represent a human finger with segmented knuckle bands and modeled fingernail tip. Known as fetish fingers, amulets of this type were placed within mummy wrappings as protective objects, believed to preserve and magically restore the fingers of the deceased in the afterlife.

The exceptional polish and jet black coloration of this pair indicate quality craftsmanship consistent with objects produced for elite burials. The matched condition of both pieces is particularly desirable.

From the Thomas Dixon Collection and the Brown Collection, subsequently acquired into a private Indiana collection prior to 1970.

Condition: Both fingers cracked and repaired. Deep polish throughout. Minor surface speckling consistent with age. Offered as a pair. 4"x1.25"

An authentic ancient Egyptian carved stone votive figure depicting Bastet, the feline goddess of protection, fertility, and the home, standing in the classic frontal posture with arms at sides and wearing a tripartite wig with incised striations. The rounded feline ears, broad facial features, and nude female body are characteristic of Late Period Bastet votive figures produced for temple dedication. Integral rectangular plinth base.

Collection number and date notation "c. 310 BC" inscribed on the base in the hand of the original collector, Major George Anderson of Laversham, England, establishing documented British provenance prior to 1970 acquisition.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Deep sandy brown patination throughout. Surface wear consistent with age. Detail well preserved. 3& 5/8"

A large and significant ancient Egyptian royal name scarab in deeply patinated black stone, bearing on its base an extensive hieroglyphic inscription with central royal cartouche, consistent with attribution to Thutmosis III (Menkheperre), one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty, c. 1450 BC. The dorsal surface presents the classic scarab beetle form with carefully articulated head, wing cases, and legs. The inscribed base displays multiple columns of hieroglyphic text flanking the central cartouche, characteristic of commemorative royal scarabs produced during or after the reign of Thutmosis III.

Deaccessioned from the Worth Museum,  with collection provenance documented in the original collector's records. Offered with original collector's photograph.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Deep black patination throughout. Hieroglyphic inscription and cartouche crisp and legible. Minor surface wear consistent with age. 2.25x1&3/8"

A genuine ancient Sumerian inscribed clay votive cone originally embedded in the wall of a temple in the city-state of Lagash, Mesopotamia, c. 2310 BC. Votive cones of this type were pressed into the outer walls of Sumerian temples as foundation dedications, their inscribed bases facing outward to identify the ruler or official who commissioned the building. This example is inscribed in the name of Nam-makh-ni, Viceroy of Lagash, a high official of the Sumerian city-state during the late Early Dynastic period.

Accompanied by the original typed Schulman Collection identification label and original collector's photograph. Authenticated by the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, November 21, 1969, as one of two Mesopotamian objects in the collection confirmed as undoubtedly authentic.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Oriental Institute authentication documentation available.

Condition: Sandy buff clay consistent with Mesopotamian fired clay of this period. Surface hairline crack visible. Inscription present on base. Offered with original Schulman label and collector's photograph. 3"

A well-preserved ancient terracotta oil lamp of the Joppa type from Palestine, featuring a distinctively ribbed conical body formed on a potter's wheel, loop handle, and pronounced nozzle. The warm terracotta clay retains excellent surface character with age-appropriate patination consistent with genuine antiquity.

Of particular note is the construction method — this lamp was formed on a potter's wheel rather than in a mould, the standard technique employed for Roman-period lamps. This wheel-thrown form is characteristic of earlier Near Eastern lamp-making traditions and represents a significantly older and rarer type than the more commonly encountered mould-made Roman examples.

From the Armstead Collection. Offered with original black and white collector's photograph.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Intact. Warm terracotta throughout. Minor surface wear consistent with age. Small hole visible on body. Offered as-is.

A breathtaking example of ancient Roman blown glass displaying the spectacular iridescent surface decomposition that makes Roman glass among the most visually compelling of all ancient materials. The bowl presents a full spectrum of silver, gold, and rainbow patination across its exterior surface — the result of centuries of chemical interaction between the silica glass and the burial environment, a process that cannot be replicated or artificially induced.

The form is a classic Roman cylindrical bowl with flared rim, blown in the ancient Roman tradition. Excavation provenance documents this piece as found at Antioch, Syria — one of the great cities of the ancient Roman world and a major center of Roman glass production — from the Brown Collection.

From a private Indiana collection, assembled prior to 1970. Offered with original collector's photograph.

Condition: Spectacular iridescent surface patination in silver, gold, and rainbow hues across exterior and visible portions of interior. Significant mineral scaling throughout interior bowl from extended burial — brown/rust deposits typical of Roman glass excavated from soil environments. Multiple cracks, structural breaks, and small holes present consistent with age and ground burial. Sold strictly as-found in uncleaned estate condition. In-person inspection strongly encouraged prior to bidding. 3&1/8" tall

Ancient Roman blown glass unguentarium with exceptional iridescent surface patination. Classic form featuring bulbous base with applied feet, elongated neck, and folded rim — complete and intact. The vessel displays spectacular peacock iridescence in silver, gold, blue, and green hues across pale greenish-yellow glass, the result of centuries of burial and chemical weathering. Used in antiquity for perfumed oils and cosmetics, these vessels were common funerary offerings in Roman tombs.  Collection assembled prior to 1970.

Condition: Structurally intact with folded rim and applied feet complete. Beautiful stable iridescent patination throughout. Light mineral deposits and surface weathering consistent with age and burial. Excellent displayable condition." 4" tall

A fine example of a Roman blown-glass cosmetic vessel, composed of two long, tubular chambers fused vertically. The vessel features two elegant, translucent green glass handles trailed from the upper body and looped to the rim.

The glass displays a distinct iridescence (silver and pearlescent weathering) and earthy encrustations consistent with long-term burial. The base is slightly flattened, allowing it to stand, though these were often carried or hung by the handles.

Condition Report

• General: Intact and in excellent condition for its age.

• Surface: Moderate silver-blue iridescence across the body. Minor earthy deposits and pitting as expected with ancient glass.

• Structural: No visible cracks or major chips to the handles or rims.

• 5.25" tall

Roman Glass 'Candlestick' Unguentarium

Date: c. 2nd – 3rd Century CE Culture: Roman Imperial

Description

A quintessential Roman blown-glass perfume bottle of the "candlestick" type. The vessel features a broad, discoid or bell-shaped body with a slightly concave base that allowed it to stand independently. The tall, cylindrical neck is long and slender, sometimes tapering slightly toward the top. It is finished with a wide, horizontally everted rim that has been folded inward and flattened to create a smooth, reinforced lip.

Commonly found in funerary contexts, these vessels were designed to hold expensive scented oils, perfumes, or liquid cosmetics. The narrow neck was intentional, allowing the user to dispense precious contents drop by drop.

Condition Report

• General: Intact and well-preserved with no signs of restoration.

• Surface: Displays significant silver and rainbow iridescence across the body and neck—a result of the glass reacting with the mineral-rich soil over centuries.

• Accretions: Scattered areas of light earthy encrustation and weathering typical of ancient excavated glass.

• 5.25"

Collection of Ancient Egyptian Faience Beaded Necklaces

Date: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, c. 664–30 BCE Culture: Ancient Egypt

Description

A set of two re-strung necklaces composed of authentic ancient Egyptian faience beads.

• The Outer Necklace: Features long, slender tubular "mummy" beads in shades of turquoise-green and deep blue, interspersed with small disc-shaped spacer beads. This style was frequently used in the elaborate bead-net covers placed over mummies to provide protection in the afterlife.

• The Inner Necklace: Composed of small, multi-colored discoid and globular beads. The palette includes earthy reds, yellows, and greens, which were often intended to imitate semi-precious stones like carnelian, jasper, and turquoise.

These beads were crafted using a self-glazing ceramic paste and were among the most common personal adornments for both the living and the dead in ancient Egyptian society.

Condition Report

• General: Beads are in good ancient condition; the necklaces have been modernly re-strung to make them wearable or displayable.

• Surface: Many beads exhibit a softened glaze and characteristic "matting" due to age. Some minor chipping and loss of pigment are visible on the tubular beads, which is typical for excavated faience.

• Integrity: The stringing is secure, and a modern clasp has been added to the inner necklace.

Date: c. 1950–1750 BCE Culture: Sumerian / Old Babylonian Provenance: The Armstead Collection; accompanied by a 1969 letter of authentication from Dr. Ignace J. Gelb, University of Chicago.

Description

A well-preserved clay tablet inscribed with multiple lines of Sumerian cuneiform. The script was formed by a scribe using a wedge-tipped reed stylus to press characters into damp clay, which was then sun-dried or kiln-fired for permanence.

According to the Gelb analysis, this tablet likely records administrative or economic transactions, such as the delivery of sheep or grain to temple authorities, or perhaps a legal contract for a loan. Such tablets served as "receipts" for the massive palace and temple economies of the time.

The tablet is typical of the "cushion-shaped" style of the early 2nd millennium BCE, designed to fit comfortably in the palm of a hand.

Condition Report

• General: Highly legible script with deep, crisp wedge impressions.

• Surface: Displays a natural buff-tan coloration with minor surface abrasions and light earthy deposits.

• Stability: The clay is stable and hard, with no significant cracks or losses to the edges that obscure the text, there is a hit on the corner 

• 2.5X1&5/8"

Coptic or Late Antique Pottery Jug with Applied Medallions

Date: c. 4th – 7th Century CE Culture: Coptic / Byzantine Egypt 

Description

A distinctive terracotta vessel featuring a flared, funnel-shaped neck and a single loop handle. The body is decorated with prominent applied medallions (pastilles) featuring molded relief designs, a hallmark of Coptic ceramic tradition. The base is uniquely flared with a "scalloped" or undulating edge, providing both stability and a decorative flourish.

This type of "clay pot" was identified in the 1969 Oriental Institute report as being from the Coptic period or later. These vessels were often used for storing wine, water, or oil and reflect the transition from Roman to Early Islamic artistic styles in Egypt.

Condition Report

• General: Structurally sound with the handle and rim intact.

• Surface: Displays a natural buff-tan clay slip with scattered reddish-brown "manganese" or iron oxide staining, consistent with burial.

• Wear: Minor surface abrasions and small chips to the scalloped base, commensurate with age.

• 5&1/8"

Egyptian Blue Faience Shabti

Date: 21st Dynasty (c. 1070–945 BCE) Culture: Ancient Egypt Provenance: The Armstead Collection. Authenticated by the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago (1969).

Description

A classic Egyptian funerary figurine, known as a shabti or ushabti, crafted from glazed blue-green faience. The figure is shown mummiform, with arms crossed over the chest. It wears a tripartite wig and features a single vertical column of hieroglyphs down the front, which likely contains the name of the deceased or a version of the "Shabti Spell" from the Book of the Dead.

According to the 1969 Oriental Institute letter, this smaller ushabti is attributed to the 21st Dynasty. These figures were placed in tombs to perform manual labor on behalf of the deceased in the afterlife.

Condition Report

• General: Intact and securely mounted on a vintage wooden display block.

• Surface: The blue glaze remains vibrant in protected areas, with typical "pitting" and localized wear to the facial features and script.

• Integrity: No visible repairs or modern restorations.

• 4"

Carved Stone Lion Head

Date: potentially Late Antique / Coptic or later Culture: Ancient Near East or Mediterranean

Description

A carved stone architectural or decorative element in the form of a lion's head. The maned predator is rendered with almond-shaped eyes and a prominent snout. While the 1969 letter does not provide a specific date for the stone vessels and objects, it notes their general authenticity within the context of the Near Eastern collection.

Condition Report

• Material: Coarse-grained sedimentary stone.

• Wear: Significant surface erosion and "desert patina" consistent with an excavated architectural fragment.

Attic Red-Figure Lekythos

Date: Classical Period, c. 5th Century BCE Culture: Ancient Greek (Attic)

Description

A fine example of an Attic red-figure lekythos, a vessel used for holding perfumed oils, often in funerary or athletic contexts. The body features a central female figure—possibly a goddess or a maiden—rendered in the "red-figure" technique, where the background is painted with a black slip while the figure remains the color of the natural clay.

The figure is depicted wearing a traditional chiton and himation, with her arms outstretched, perhaps performing a ritual or carrying an offering. The shoulder of the vessel is decorated with a delicate radiate pattern, and the neck is bordered by a crisp Greek key (meander) band. The slender neck leads to a deep, cup-shaped mouth designed for controlled pouring.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Terracotta

• Dimensions:

• Parallels: Similar stylistic work can be seen in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum.

Condition Report

• Surface: The black glaze remains mostly intact with some localized pitting and "ghosting" consistent with age. There are scattered areas of surface loss, particularly around the foot and the rim.

• Structural: The handle, neck, and body appear to be intact without major visible repairs.

• 5.25"

Date: New Kingdom, potentially Saite Period or later (c. 664–332 BCE) Material: Glazed Steatite (Soapstone)

An exceptionally large and finely carved Egyptian scarab amulet, likely intended as a commemorative or heart scarab. The beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) is rendered with naturalistic anatomical detail, including a notched clypeus, deeply incised elytra (wing cases), and feathered legs carved in high relief away from the base.

The underside features a flat, oval base deeply incised with several horizontal registers of hieroglyphic script. Such large scarabs were often used to record significant historical events, royal marriages, or funerary spells to protect the deceased in the afterlife.

Condition Report

• General: Intact and in excellent condition for its size and age.

• Surface: The stone retains a smooth, yellowish-tan patina. There are minor, ancient chips to the edges of the base and the "horn" area of the beetle, consistent with burial context.

• Detail: The hieroglyphic inscriptions remain crisp and highly legible.

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 

• Provenance: The Armstead Collection; documented and authenticated by the University of Chicago Oriental Institute in 1969. The 1969 letter specifically notes: "The large, flat scarab in the plastic box certainly seems authentic, although the date is uncertain".

• 3&3/8x2x1.5"

New Kingdom to Saite Period (c. 1550–525 BCE) Material: Glazed Steatite (Soapstone)

Description

This is a scaraboid—a variation of the traditional scarab where the back is carved into a different form, in this case, a recumbent sphinx. The sphinx is depicted lying flat with its paws extended forward, combining a human head (representing the Pharaoh) with a lion's body, symbolizing royal power and protection.

The underside (base) is deeply incised with hieroglyphic symbols. While the 1969 Oriental Institute letter notes that the date of such pieces can be uncertain, it explicitly confirms the authenticity of the Egyptian amulets in the Armstead-Sealock collection. The carving style of the sphinx, with its smooth contours and stylized wig, is characteristic of amulets produced during the later dynasties.

Condition Report

• Surface: The steatite retains a significant portion of its original creamy-tan glaze, with some localized darkening in the recessed areas of the carving.

• Detail: The features of the sphinx remain well-defined, though there is expected "softening" of the edges due to ancient handling and wear.

• Integrity: There are no major fractures visible, only minor surface abrasions consistent with an excavated object.

• 3&3/8x2&3/8x2.5"

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (c. 664–30 BCE) Material: Wood with Polychrome (painted) Gesso

Description

A carved wooden funerary statuette of the triune deity Ptah-Soker-Osiris, a god associated with the cycles of death and resurrection. The figure is depicted in a traditional mummiform pose, standing upright on a rectangular plinth.

The figure wears a tripartite wig, which would have originally been topped with a crown (likely the Atef crown or two tall plumes), though the crown itself is now missing, leaving the attachment mortise visible. The face is delicately carved with an enigmatic expression, and the body is covered in a layer of white gesso, which served as a canvas for the colorful painted decorations.

Traces of vertical columns of hieroglyphic text are visible on the front of the body, likely providing a standard offering formula (Htp-di-nsw) for the deceased owner of the statue.

Condition Report

• Polychrome: Significant portions of the original pigment remain, though there is characteristic cracking and "flaking" of the gesso (dry-rot) typical of ancient wood.

• Structural: The figure remains firmly attached to its original rectangular base. The wood shows ancient surface losses, particularly around the feet and the back of the wig.

• Missing Elements: As is common for these figures, the crown and the false beard are no longer present.

• 5&7/8"

Date: Late Period (c. 664–332 BCE) Material: Bronze (Copper Alloy)

Discovery Analysis: Metal Amulets

Unlike the stone button seals from earlier periods, these metal versions often feature the Aegis (the head of a deity wearing a broad collar) or circular geometric patterns.

• The Symbolism: In metal, these often represented the goddess Bastet or Hathor. The circular shape evokes the solar disk, while the "loop" at the top or back allowed them to be sewn onto garments or mummy wrappings.

• The Material: The use of bronze suggests these date to the Late Period. During this time, there was a massive "renaissance" in bronze casting for temple offerings and personal talismans.

Condition Report

• Patina: The items exhibit a classic "cuprite" or "malachite" patina—the dark green or reddish-brown crust that forms naturally on ancient copper alloys over millennia.

• Surface: There is some "bronze disease" (pitting) visible in some areas, which is common for metal recovered from damp soil. The details of the casting (facial features or patterns) may be partially obscured by this oxidation.

• Integrity: The metal appears stable, but it should be kept in a low-humidity environment to prevent further corrosion.

Egyptian Carved Fragment: Hand Holding an Offering

Date: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period (c. 664–30 BCE) Material: Likely Limestone or Fine-grained Steatite (Please confirm if it feels like stone or heavy metal).

Discovery Analysis

In Egyptian art, the gesture of a hand holding an object is deeply symbolic of the cult of the dead or divine worship:

• The Offering: If the hand is holding a small pot or a loaf of bread, it represents the "everlasting food" provided to the deceased.

• The "Ankh": If the hand is holding a looped cross, it is the symbol of Life (Ankh), typically held by a deity like Osiris or Isis.

• The Scepter/Staff: If the hand is clenched around a cylindrical object, it likely belonged to a larger statue of a high-ranking official or a king holding the heqa (scepter).

Condition Report

• Artistic Quality: The carving of the fingers—noting the proportions of the knuckles and the fingernails—will determine if this is a "high-style" piece or a more provincial, folk-art version.

• Surface: Look for traces of polychrome (paint). Even microscopic flecks of red (for male skin) or yellow (for female skin) can help identify the figure it belonged to.

• Fragmentation: As a "fragment," the value lies in the pathos of the piece. Collectors prize fragments because they represent a larger, lost masterpiece

Middle Kingdom to New Kingdom (c. 2040–1070 BCE) Material: Hand-carved Carnelian (Chalcedony) Mount: Mid-20th-century custom acrylic display

Discovery Analysis

The circular arrangement allows us to see the evolution of ancient lapidary (stone-cutting) techniques:

• The Selection: The mount features a range of sizes, from tiny discoid spacers to larger bicone and globular "mummy" beads.

• The "Fire" of the Stone: Note how the light passes through the more translucent orange beads. This "honey" carnelian was specifically sought after for its solar associations.

• The Drilling: In this mounted view, you can see the slight irregularities in the alignment of the drill holes, which confirms they were hand-drilled from both ends using ancient bow-drills.

Condition Report

• Surface: Excellent "waxy" patina across the group. A few beads show minor "nicks" to the edges of the drill holes, which is expected and actually helps prove they were worn in antiquity.

• Mounting: The beads are fixed to the acrylic. While this makes for a stunning display, a buyer should be aware that the adhesive used in the 1960s is likely permanent.

A pair of ancient-style terracotta oil lamps offered together. The first is a small, dark gray-bodied lamp with a rounded reservoir and pinched nozzle, mounted on a small square wooden display base; the wick hole shows remnants of dark residue consistent with use. The second is a larger, yellow-ochre terracotta example with a looped handle, elongated nozzle, and figural or foliate relief decoration on the discus, displaying heavy surface encrustation and earthen deposits throughout. Both pieces show significant age-related wear, surface losses, and chipping consistent with excavated condition. The smaller lamp is presented on a wooden display stand; the larger rests unattached. Dimensions not provided; please see lot for individual measurements. Provenance unknown. Sold as a group of two.

A well-executed reproduction Roman oil lamp in dark gray terracotta, featuring a figural relief scene on the discus depicting a standing figure, possibly a deity or gladiator, surrounded by a leaf-pattern border. Loop handle and single nozzle with fill hole. Base impressed with circular maker's mark reading "ROMAN LAMP / E. SARENI." Produced by Italian maker E. Sareni, known for quality reproduction Classical antiquities made for the collector and tourist market, likely late 19th to early 20th century. Heavy surface patination and earthen deposits give a convincingly aged appearance