3rd-7th century AD. An ellipsoidal plano-convex stamp seal with lateral piercing for suspension; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and a typed and signed scholarly note issued by the late A.D.H. Bivar, Professor of Iranian Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, which states: 'Chalcedony ellipsoid. One the base, three stylised human figures walking r., the rearmost holding a stick(?"). Behind, a scorpion; above, quadruped; below r., three Pahlavi characters, unread. On the reverse, a clumsy Pahlavi inscription. The last word appears to be dhtar 'daughter', though this word is usually spelt with w?w, but it is otherwise unread. Above, left, dog; below, right, camel'. See Gyselen, R., Catalogue des sceaux, camées et bulles sassanides, II, No.10.E.4=Ph. Gignoux, Op. Cit. Vol. I, No. 9.1. 10.6 grams, 24mm (1"). From the Empire collection, an important UK private collection of seals, acquired between 1980-1983; accompanied by a copy of a typed and signed scholarly note, by the late Adrian Hugh David Bivar, Professor of Iranian Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10147-167589. A.D.H. Bivar, Professor of Iranian Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, states 'This is possibly a magical amulet. Other similar pieces also carry inscriptions on the reverse.'