Mid 3rd millennium BC. A carved white marble cylinder seal depicting a contest scene, accompanied by a museum quality impression and a copy of a typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of white marble, 31 x 18 mm. Contest frieze of hero, three rearing domestic quadrupeds and two rearing lions. Mesopotamia c. 2600-2400 B.C.'. 19 grams, 31mm (1 1/4"). From a private collection of seals and amulets, the property of a Canadian gentleman living in London; from his father's collection formed in the late 1960s to 1980s; inventory number 87. Very fine condition.