Circa 8th-7th century B.C. A bifacial sceptre head modelled in the round as a master of animals,posed of a stylised central human figure, crescentic arms formed as two slender beasts with open mouths facing the master, his lower body formed as the hind quarters of a quadruped animal, the attachment loops as their long, curled tails; openwork cylindrical socket running through the centre of the whole; apanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers 1996.82.1, 30.97.5 and 30.97.6, for similar examples. 385 grams total, 16.5 cm (6 1/2 in.). From the collection of Franz Xaver Bachem (1857-1937), Cologne, Germany. Ex collection of Dr. Franz-Carl Bachem (1898-1976). By descent to Mercedes Bachem (1904-1987). From the estate of Monika Roth Weiler, Meersburg, Germany. Ex private collection, Cologne, Germany. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]