The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
Lot 4863
Colorful Ushabti. Egypt,
XXI Dynasty, c. 1075-944 BC. Height: 5". Faience ushabti of simplified
mummiform shape depicting an individual with arms crossed. Faience is glazed in
an attractive turquoise blue. Details appear in an applied black glaze. The
figure wears a long lappet wig, beaded collar and cuffs, and holds two picks,
with seed bag or basket thrown over each shoulder. A panel of hieroglyphs runs
down the front of the body and legs. Mounted on black-painted wood base.
Artifact is nicely preserved with only a few trivial chips to glaze. Attractive
for its type.
Estimated Value $750-950.
Lot 4864
Later Ushabti in Deep
Blue-Green Faience. Egypt, XXVIII to XXX Daynasty, c. 400-300 BC. Height:
3-5/8". Ushabti similar to the previous examples but with clearly molded
details. This individual, again, with arms crossed wears a long lappet wig and
sepulchral beard and holds a pick and flail. A slab-like pillar runs along his
back. This ushabti has very slim proportions, with intense, deep blue-green
glaze. Work is nicely preserved with a dark patina over parts of the figure.
Also mounted on black-painted wood base. Quite pleasing for its type.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 4865
Egyptian Faience Lot.
Second Intermdiate to Late Periods, c. 1650 -330 BC. Ushabti height:
4-3/8". An attractive strand of "mummy beads" comprised of tiny discs from
various dynasties glazed primarily in blues and greens, but also with fine,
bright whites, reds, yellows, sienna, and dark brown. The main necklace is made
up of five strands, the ends with catches are singles. Also, a Late Dynastic
ushabti, c. 400-330 BC, in bluish gray-green. This sepulcheral servant of
typical mummiform shape. Along the front of the body is a rectangular panel
with hieroglyphs, but these are not legible because of infilling by the thick
glaze. Beads perfect; the ushabti is intact and very fine, although glaze now
matte.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection,
published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver,
illustrated and discussed on p. 18.
Lot 4866
Persian Bronze "Tea Pot".
Persian Luristan, circa 8th-7th century BC. A wonderful and curious bronze
vessel with long, protruding (open channeled) spout. This is a metal version of
this culture's distinctive ceramic vessels, featuring a similar beak-like
spout. The pot is a flattened conical shape, with ovoid swelling to the throat
of the spout. This surrounded by eleven decorative bosses. Height: 4";
Length: 9". Excellent dark green patina, with touches of red, and free
from breaks and repairs.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 4867
Notable Financial
Cuneiform Tablet. Akkadian, c. 2300 BC. Size: 1-5/8" x 1-5/8". This tablet
is a very fine grain pinkish clay, of squared oval shape. The face of the
tablet was divided into quarters and inscribed on three of the sections. In the
larger section, a less stylized cuneiform (of this reign) states: "Eight
shekels of silver ('on the outside'), [from] En-Ni the trade agent. Lugal-mu
having transferred to my tablet, placed in on my debit account." A mnor chip or
spall appears on the reverse edge, but does not affect the text. Otherwise, the
tablet is finely preserved with good surfaces and exceptionally clear and
readable characters. Akkadian tablets are much less encountered and so are
always more desirable. Even more rare -- an actual fiduciary transaction is
described here, rather than the more typical receipt list of barley, goats,
beer, etc.
Estimated Value $375-475.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage
Collection, published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of
Silver, discussed on p. 11. Translated by Professor Robert Englund of
UCLA.
Lot 4868
Fine Cuneiform Tablet.
Third Dynasty of Ur, c. 2112-2004 BC. Size: 1-3/8 x 1-3/16." This tablet is
composed of a fine-grained pinkish-gray clay in a rectangular form. Carefully
laid out and inscribed in a very neat and precise hand, the text is a receipt
for cattle, at "Drehem," and dated to the"fourth month, ninth day of the
fort-fifth year of the reign of Shulgi (2094-2047 BC)." Two small ancient
scrapes appear towards the edge of the tablet. Otherwise choice and pristine.
The cuneiform is artistic and strongly legible. A very fine tablet.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection,
published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver,
discussed on p. 10. Tablet cleaned and translated by the Babylonian Collection,
Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University.
Lot 4869
Rare Unopened Cuneiform
Letter. Old Babylonian, c. 1750 BC. Size: 1-3/4 x 1-5/8." In deep brown
clay, this tablet is similar to the previous lot but larger and thicker due to
the "envelope" encasing another smaller tablet within. Text appears on both
sides, plus two edges. The exterior text mirrors most, if not all of the
inscription on the interior tablet. This is also an economic document detailing
the receipt of five shekels of silver as interest, reflecting an agreement that
was also notarized before witnesses. Envelope is intact and perfect. Again
rare and desirable for being an actual transaction in shekels of silver, rather
than just an ordinary receipt. But also, this artifact has the immediacy of
placing one so very near to the ancient event by the fact that the scribe, who
fashioned and then wrote on this tablet, left his finger and palm prints firmly
and clearly all over it!
Estimated Value $500-600.
Ex Shirley
Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces
of Silver, discussed on pp. 12, 13. Translated by Professor Robert Englund
of UCLA.
Lot 4870
Earliest Biblical
Currency. Judaea-Palistine, c. 2000-500 BC. Width of largest: 3-1/4". Lot
of two bronzes, including an armlet, and a ring or "earring" that would served
a multiple of uses -- adornment or objects of barter, objects of intrinsic
metal value, or metal pieces of specific size and wieght, and so becoming in
effect a "coin" of certain worth. Lastly, three small nuggets of raw gold to
the weight of four gerah -- an always acceptable form of currency in the
Near East. Ancient bronzes are well preserved with original crusty green
patina.
Estimated Value $100-200.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage
Collection, published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of
Silver, illustrated and discussed on pp. 8, 398.
Lot 4871
A Choice and Desirable Set
of Inscribed Stone Weights. Judaea, c. 7th to 6th century BC. Diameters: 10
mm. to 27 mm. Lot of 8 pieces. These weights are fashioned in colored limestone
-- red, or "salmon," brick red, tan, and dark gray. All are domed in shape and
nearly approach a sectioned sphere. All are marked on the top with their value
-- on the larger a shekel sign (like a X with a cross bar connecting the bottom
legs) -- plus additional or other signs instead. In this group are weights of:
four shekels, two shekels, one shekel, nezef, beqa (half shekel), five gerah,
and four gerah. All are in choice condition, only one or two with minor chips,
and but for two, the signs are extremely legible. The beqa and the nezef are
worn with the Hebrew inscription only just discernible. Interestingly the nezef
had two additional "replacement " signs added in either the Hellenistic or
Greco-Roman eras. Rounding out the set is a larger, and scarcer, weight in a
fine grain, almost crystalline, limestone of warm gray color. Clearly seen on
it is a V mark, the Judaean equivalent of "4," plus off to the side a faint
"I." This weight 90 grms., equaling eight shekels. This with a few minor chips
on the bottom. Rare and desirable artifacts!
Estimated Value $1,750-UP.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical
Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver, illustrated and discussed on pp. 4-7.
In ancient Israel there were seven weights that were related to metal, and
which were mentioned in the Bible: the talent, mina, shekel, beka, gerah, pim,
and kesitah. Three of them are found in this lot. This set is about as fine a
one that can be found on the market these days. It is the effort of many years
of searching and collecting, since the inscribed examples range from scarce to
very rare. An equally fine set was auctioned off in Israel several years ago,
to the tune of nearly $3000! Don't pass this one up.
Lot 4872
A Rare, Larger Inscribed
Stone Weight. Judaea, c. 7th to 6th century BC. Another shekel weight like
previous, but much larger. This more of a discoid shape, is carved from a warm
colored gray limestone and weighs 153 grms., approximately 14 shekels, or a
quarter of a mineh. Although well worn, the X-like vestiges of the shekel sign
is clearly visible. Weight generally in very fine condition. Large inscribed
examples tend to be very rare. Diameter: 52 mm.
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical
Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver, illustrated and discussed on p. 7.
Lot 4873
Pottery from the Time of
the Patriarchs. Judaea c. 2500-1500 BC. A pair of quality early ceramic
artifacts. Beaker height: 4-3/4". Lamp width: 5-1/2". 1. The earliest is a
beaker in red ware that is coil-formed rather than wheel turned, accounting for
its asymmetrical shape. 2. A later date wheel-made bowl which has been folded
on two sides to form an ingenious lamp. Both are fine examples, and finely
preserved. The beaker is scarce. Choice and fascinating artifacts from Judaea's
earliest period.
Estimated Value $300-450.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage
Collection, published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of
Silver, illustrated and discussed on p. 16.
Lot 4874
Ancient Judaean
Stirrup-Jar. Late Bronze Age II, c. 1450-1200 BC. Height: 4-1/4". An
interestingly shaped vessel, peculiar to its time and derived from Mycenaean
prototypes. Potted in a moderately fine-grained buff-pink clay, the vessel has
a biconical body, short cylindrical neck and small mouth set before its
E-shaped "stirrup" handle. With creme slip and the remains of circular
ornamental bands in dark brown that appear on both the body and the handle.
Slight chip to the shoulder, otherwise nicely preserved, with earthen and
whitish patina. Said to have been found at Beth-Shemesh (Canaan). The
manufacture and painting is quite fine, so this is most likely a direct
Mycenaean import, rather than a local Cypro-Palestinian replica. Rare, and a
desirable shape for the ceramic collector. Cf. Amiran, p. 181, fig. nos. 183,
191.
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex. Antiquities Gallery, no. 152,
about 1983. Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical
Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver, illustrated and discussed, pp. 16,17.
Lot 4875
Small Spouted Juglet,
Palestine, c. 800-587 BC. (Iron Age IIc or III). This interesting little
juglet is made from a dark gray ware, with cylindrical neck and short
cylindrical foot. A slim spout projects out of its globular body, while a ring
handle is attached to the side. Nicely preserved, this is one of the
distinctive vessel shapes found in the Holyland in this time period. Height:
3-3/8".
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 4876
Judaean Timeline in
Ceramics. Judaea-Palestine, c. 1000 Bc to 200 AD. Lot of five different
pieces spanning major periods in Judaean history. Heights: 3" - 5-3/4". From
the Age of Kings, the two smaller handled juglets were forms that David and
Solomon would have been familiar with. Later, but pre-Exile, is a small
buff-colored pot. The small alabastron probably dates to the Maccabean era,
whereas the red-slipped jug might have been a type the Apostles or the
defenders of Masada could have used. The larger jug is repaired at the handle,
while the rest are well preserved and in very fine condition. A nice group --
these a tactile presence of ancient lives.
Estimated Value $400-650.
Ex Shirley Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical
Numismatics: Thirty Pieces of Silver, illustrated and discussed on pp. 19,
22, 23.
Lot 4877
Judaean Lamps, c. 50-700
AD. Lengths: 3" - 5". The classic artifact from Judaea. Lamps conjure up
images of the daily and personal doings of the peoples of antiquity. They are
also, allegorically, a symbol of the people of the Book. Here we find four
types spanning the ages and the fortunes of Judaea. The earliest, the Southern
type, with red slip and sharply molded petal ornament. Later, a handled lamp
with enigmatic tree symbol which may have served as a mnemonic symbol of the
menorah in the age of the diasporah. The two remaining date to the times of
Jerusalem's Christian and Islamic regimes. All nicely preserved, with soot
stains on the nozzels showing use.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Ex
Shirley Barr Sage Collection, published in her Biblical Numismatics: Thirty
Pieces of Silver, illustrated and discussed on pp. 21, 22.
Lot 4878
A Fine, Nearly Complete
Tile of the Tenth Legion, from Ancient Jerusalem. Israel, late 1st to
2nd century AD. The tile, a paver, is fashioned from a gritty
pinkish-orange clay and hard-fired. A square of 7" on each side, and about 1
½" thick, the tile has impressed on its face a rectangular stamp with
the letters "LEG X FR". This stands for "Legio Decima Fretensis." One moderate
chip at corner, otherwise the tile is intact. The letters are clearly impressed
on this tile, making it a desirable example. An important artifact for the
Judaica or military collector.
Estimated Value $750-850.
Stationed in Palestine and Syria, the Tenth Legion made up the forces
that Vespasian employed in Northern Israel during his campaign of 66 AD. later,
the legion comprised a good portion of the troops that destroyed Jerusalem
under Titus. Three years later they completed the mopping up of the First
Revolt when the captured Masada. Afterwards, the Tenth Legion became the
official permanent garrison for the province of Judaea. Following the Bar
Kochba revolt, the legion was stationed in Jerusalem (which was renamed Aelia
Capitolina by Hadrian) itself. In the early 1990's a major Tenth Legion site
was discovered during excavations for a parking lot next to the National
Auditorium in Jerusalem. At that time a number of like tiles came on the
market, but these have long since been dispersed. See: N. Avigad,
Discovering Jerusalem, 1980, P. 206, figs. 2, 3 and 4.
Lot 4879
A Tile Fragment from the
Tenth Legion. A Choice Tile Fragment of the Tenth Legion, Israel,
Jerusalem, late 1st- 2nd century AD. The tile, another paver, is a little
different from the other examples, is fashioned from a gritty orange-tan clay
and hard-fired. Again, a square of 7" on each side, and about 1 ½"
thick. Here about two thirds of the tile present. Of the legionary stamp, "LEG
X" remains. The impression bold, and the letters stand out clear. The tile face
clean and with little wear. On the back a thick layer of the mortar still
adheres; this, interestingly shows the use of crushed shells as filler. A fine
example, and very affordable. Size: 7" x 6".
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 4880
Another Choice Tile
Fragment of the Tenth Legion, Israel, Jerusalem, late 1st - 2nd Century AD.
The tile, another paver, is a little different from the previous examples.
The clay is a little finer grain, and a deep pink color. This one a square of
about 7¼" on each side, and about 1¼" thick. Here about half of the
tile present, with three quarters of the legionnary stamp remaining: "...E X
FR". This stamp with a shortened inscription, and in a smaller, more delicate
style. The extant impression bold, the letters very clear. The tile face clean
and with only minimal wear. Small collection number inked on the side. Again, a
fine example, and very affordable. Size: 7¼ x 4¾".
Estimated
Value $350-500.
Lot 4881
A Tile Fragment from the
Tenth Legion. A Rare Published Example from Aelia Capitolina. Israel,
Jerusalem, reign of Elagabalus, 218-222 AD. The fragment is a very thick
tile, in a coarsely mixed dark pink clay, covered with whitish patina. The
legionnary stamp with line border, the inscription: "LXF ANTONINIAIA," in two
lines. Impression bold, the letters very clear, but the lettering appears to
have been cut by one who was ill at ease with Latin script. The tile face clean
with some minor adhering mortar or concretion. Size 7 ¼" x 4 ¾".
Very rare!
Estimated Value $1,200-1,500.
Published: Ya'akov
Meshorer, The Coinage of Aelia Capitolina, Jerusalem 1989, P. 63
(illustrated), where he points out that use of the title, Antoniniana, appears
to be limited to the time of Elagabalus -- it specifically appearing on his
coins issued at Aelia Capitolina. Thus the tile originates in the construction
or repairs going on in Jerusalem during his reign.