3rd millennium BC. A carved lapis lazuli cylinder seal depicting an animal contest frieze, 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 lapis, 16 x 7mm. A contest frieze of two crossed bovines and two attacking lions. Syria, c. 2400-2100 B.C.'. 1.59 grams, 16mm (3/4"). 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 102. Very fine condition.