Sumerian Shell Cylinder Seal with Heroes. 2600-2300 B.C. Cylinder with cord and bead handles; accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of fossil shell. 28 x 16 mm., condition good. Contest scene: standing hero succours reared up domestic animal on either side as they are attacked by lions, a second hero pulls the tail of the right-hand lion from behind; terminal scorpion below double line. This well known type of Sumerian seal occurs at the very end of the Early Dynastic periods, and on into the beginning of the Akkad dynasty. The scene involves divine heroes, and it was hoped that in actual life such figures would save domestic herds from attacks of lions.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.9 grams total, 8.1-27.78 mm (1/4 - 1 in.). [No Reserve] UK private collection, acquired 1980-1983. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert in August 1990.