3rd-2nd millennium BC. A mixed group of bronze dress pins, each with a rosette finial, two with old collector's labels attached; including two accompanied by typed and signed notes by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which state: (U-601) 'Pin with Decorative Pin-head of Bronze, Length overall: 181mm, Head: 24 x 24mm. This has a long straight spike and a head like a round disc with notched edges. The design on the head consists of a central small circle from which four strokes got to the edge, creating a simple cross, and in each quarter so created there is a crescent based on the rim. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed, and is generally in good condition. The design is less common for pins of this type, though it is well known on seals. The pin probably served for fastening garments, and the pin-head as a seal.'; (U-602) 'Pin with Decorative Pin-head of Bronze, overall length: 168mm, head: 18 x 17mm. This has a straight spike and the head is like a star with seven rays, hollowed out to serve as a seal. The object is covered with incrustation, which could be removed. It comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. it appears to be in good condition under the incrustation.' 308 grams, 16.5-21cm (6 1/2 - 8 1/4"). The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; two with collection numbers U-601, U-602, and four others, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. [6]