Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 43

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Antiquities

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 826		Attractive Early Hieroglyphic Fragment, in Limestone. Egypt, Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, c. 2295-2255 BC. A large fragment, comprising two vertical moldings from the right side of a false door for a mastaba tomb. On each molding, a line of neatly carved hieroglyphs: beneath each, a male (in two sizes) walking left and using a staff. The representations stylized, but done with more care than is often seen on these; with each wearing a wig, a broad collar, and a kilt with stiff triangular apron jutting forward. The inscription reads: "Ichy, Chief Lector Priest, Barber to Pharaoh Pepy I." In very fine condition, with some roughness at the top left, and some at the figure's kilts and lower. Height: 19-1/8" x 7" x 1-7/8"; on custom base. A good-sized and quite pleasing example of early dynastic Egyptian art: derived from one of the key aspects of their ritual and architectural tradition -- the "False Door." Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. Ancient World Arts, NY; the cover piece for their 1992 retail catalog. For a complete, but somewhat later example of a false door, see C. Ede, Collecting Antiquities, fig. 227. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $13,225
Lot 827		Elegant Necklace from Egypt. Circa 3000 BC to 1875. Beads all found in Egypt. Most of necklace comprised with well-colored coral beads, generally 18th-19th century, with maybe a few from the Roman Period. The best are the exceptional tubular beads in a nearly transparent, mottled black and green, hard serpentine. These are Pre-Dynastic to Middle Kingdom, and show the fine craftsmanship seen in the time when quality beads were still true luxury items. Necklace length: 16-1/2". A very fine piece! Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $489
Lot 828		"Mummy Necklace" of Exceptional Faience Beads. Egypt, New Kingdom, likely Amarna or Ramessid Period, c. 14th century BC. Necklace comprised of seven strands to drape below the neck, with a single strand to clasp behind the neck. Each strand made up of alternating deep blue tubular and bright yellow disc beads. These are superior quality beads -- glossy, with blues quite pure, without green, with some tending to almost a violet-blue. Necklace length: 18". Truly choice! Estimated Value $250 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $368
Lot 829		Another "Mummy Necklace" of Exceptional Faience Beads. Egypt, New Kingdom, c. 1550-1070 BC. Necklace comprised of eight strands to drape below the neck, with a single strand to clasp behind the neck. Each strand made up of alternating brilliant blue tubular and bright yellow disc beads. Again, these are superior quality beads -- glossy, with intense blues, many with a hint of green. The yellow discs are a rarer variety, where the single beads are made to look as if they are two. Necklace length: 18". An eye-catching artifact! Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $776
Lot 830		Fine "Mummy Necklace" of Exceptional Faience Beads. Egypt, New Kingdom - Late Period, c. 1500-400 BC. Necklace comprised of six strands to drape below the neck, with a single strand to clasp behind the neck. Each strand made up of alternating brilliant blue tubular and variously colored disc beads. Choice quality beads -- the blues intense, as already seen, and the discs are glossy and well-glazed. Necklace length: 18". A noble Egyptian necklace. Estimated Value $450 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $460
Lot 831		Lot of Three "Mummy Necklaces," in Quality Faience Beads. Egypt, New Kingdom - Ptolemaic Periods, c. 1400-200 BC. Necklaces are multi-strands, like those already seen. Two are comprised of tubular beads -- one in greens and browns, the other in finer blues and blue-greens. The last made up of finely colored tiny disc beads in blues, greens, browns, yellow, red and black. Necklaces' average length: 18". Nice quality material. Lot of 3 items. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $930
Lot 832		Handsome Wood Mummy Mask. Egypt, Late New Kingdom or Third Intermediate Period, c. 1200-750 BC. About half life-size, the portrait likely of a woman with idealized features, with a full, generous mouth that is indented at the corners, and with a hint of an almost enigmatic smile. The eyes sfumato-like, rather than overtly rendered. Overall, very fine condition for wood of this age. Height: 6"; on custom plexiglass stand. An eye-catching display piece. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 833		"Classic Egyptian Eyes" - In Bronze and Stone. Egypt, Late Period to Early Ptolemaic, c. 600-250 BC. From a quality anthropoid coffin, the bronze eyebrows are nicely stylized; the bronze outlines of the eyes with extended cosmetic lines, the integral pupils also in bronze. The whites of the eyes in carved calcite. The bronze patina a pleasing brown, red, and green. Widths: 3-1/4", 3-1/8". An excellent set for display. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 834		A Small, Fine Figurine of Osiris in Bronze. Egypt, Late Period, c. 664-332 BC. The bearded god in mummiform pose, tightly robed, holding a crook and flail, the atef crown upon his head. A tenon, for insertion into a mount, is underneath his feet. The figure well proportioned, with precise, sharp detailing. The god's implements and feathers to his crown were separate attachments, perhaps in a different material, and are now absent. Otherwise, god very well preserved, with dark brown, red, and slight olive patina. Height: 4-1/4", and mounted on wood base. A superior example of this miniature type. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 835		Bronze Sculpture of Isis and the Child, Horus. Egypt, Late Period, c. 550-350 BC. Stylish rendering of the goddess, Isis, and Horus. The slimly elegant Isis in thin form-fitting dress, wearing tripartite lappet wig, with remains of her horned crown (the turret-like base of uraeai, or upright cobras). Horus nude, with lithe athletic body, and large side lock of hair. Condition: as found -- with Isis missing feet and headdress. Bronze with pleasant heavy green patina. Height: 3-3/4", on neat custom base in black acrylic. Estimated Value $500 - 650. Interestingly, this piece was well revered and venerated in its time. The face of the goddess worn smooth from years of prayerful touching and rubbing by the statue's owner. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 836		Bronze of Seated Osiris. Egypt, Late Third Intermediate to Late Period, c. 800-450 BC. The bearded god seated in usual form fitting robe, crossed hands holding flail and crook, wearing tall atef-crown. His plumpish features modeled with care and dignity; his empty eyes once inlaid. Very well preserved -- the metal sound and stable, with only minor loss to the disc at the top of the crown. Handsome patina in dark brown, with touches of green. Height: 6-3/8"; on walnut base. A very attractive example of this less common form of Osiris. A desirable little work of art. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,760
Lot 837		Attractive, Brightly Colored Faience Ushabti. Egypt, 26th-27th Dynasties, c. 664-404 BC. Mummiform figure, said to be named Hor-ankh, with beard and lappet wig, stands holding adze and hoe, seed bag over his shoulder. The features fine and stylish; the T-shaped panels along the front with sharply incised glyphs, denoting the name and mother of the deceased. In choice condition, apparently free of repair, with only slight rubbing to tip of beard and nose, and a few scattered spots of tiny chipping to the glaze. The faience a very handsome and pure deep turquoise color,with hardly any blue-green. Height: 5-1/8". Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 838		Good-Sized Gilt Wooden Head of an Ibis. Egypt, 26th - 30th Dynasties, c. 664-342 BC. The realistic head and neck elegantly carved, with careful attention to detail, as seen in the eyes and patterning of the bill. This wood sculpture was once attached to the wrapped mummy of an ibis by the circular discs at each end. Intact and in very good condition; generally with only very trivial flakes and losses to the gilding, but for one spot on the neck (5/8" x 2-1/4"). Length: 19". A high quality wood sculpture of some size, from ancient Egypt, at a very affordable price for these days. There was a large trade in these mummies, which were offered to pilgrims to place as votives in temples throughout Egypt where the god Thoth was worshiped in ibis-form. The worshiper of course expected a benefaction from the god for his piety and devotion. Thoth was the god of wisdom, and the patron deity of scribes. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 839		Excellent Falcon Head Cartonnage from a Falcon Mummy. Egypt, Late Dynatic-Ptolemaic, c. 400-200 BC. A compelling little portrait piece. The cartonnage maskette of resin impregnated linen wrappings, shaped into the bird form, and painted with extensive black detailing. Piece in very fine condition. Height: 2-5/8", on custom base. An attention-getting cabinet piece! The stylishly painted details make this the best example we've handled in many years. Cf. Goldberg Auction 35 (April 15, 2006), lot 871, for the type of mummy that would have employed this head piece. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 840		Fine Little Terra Cotta of Harpocrates. Graeco-Roman Egypt, c. 100 BC. - 100 AD. The two-piece molded ceramic well-detailed and stylish. The young god, Horus, seated on cylindrical base, with one foot underneath him, holding an overflowing cornucopia, and with finger held to his lips. He has a full and elaborate hairdo, and wears the double.crown of Egypt. Remaining traces of the ceramic's original pink paint can be seen in his hair. Item intact and in nice condition. Height: 5-1/8". Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 841		Stucco Portrait Panel from a Mummy of a Woman. Roman Egypt, c. 2nd century AD. The image nearly that of half torso length, with the hands resting over the hips. Her tunic with twin parallel applied borders in pink-red, against the cloth in brown -- and typical for the time period. Woman with smooth stylized features and nicely rendered large eyes. A ring and snake bracelets are seen at her hands, with a multi-strand pendant necklace at her throat. Reassembled from several large pieces, with very modest restoration and paint touch up. Because the stucco shell is thin and fragile, the backside of the piece has been built up with a reinforcing layer of plaster. Height: 14". A very fetching display piece. Estimated Value $12,500 - 14,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 842		Choice Woven and Embroidered Coptic Cloth Border. Egypt, 4th-5th century AD. Piece upside down t-shape, with narrow horizontal strip beneath squarish central section. The decorative work in dark brown and creme color, on cloth background of dark tan. The elements consist of felines(?) -- a pair flanking a tree in the square panel -- along with a variety of floral fillers and felines in the narrow border portion. Cloth finely preserved, with excellent bright colors. Width: 15". Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details	Unsold
Lot 843		A Fine Narrow, Embroidered Coptic Cloth Border. Egypt, 4th-5th century AD. Another especially fine border cloth, the decorative work in dark brown on cloth background of deep tan.The motif a chain of roundels containing cruciform petal shapes, alternating with four roundels with rabbits or does within. Again, cloth finely preserved, with excellent colors. Width: 28". Estimated Value $600 - 700. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 844		A Choice Brightly Colored Coptic Cloth Panel, with Dionysian Subject. Egypt, 5th-6th century AD. A square panel, woven and embroidered in red, tan, creme, black and dark green. Central subject: within floriated frame, a faun or satyr rides a leopard. The satyr looks as if he is wearing green tights. Around, a border of alternating palmettes and cruciform petals. Cloth choice, with really excellent colors. Width: 5". An outstanding textile. Estimated Value $700 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 845		A Colorful Coptic Cloth Panel. Egypt, 5th-6th century AD. A square panel, woven and embroidered, in red, tan-creme, and dark green. Central subject appears to be a table supporting a cross, which is flanked by two smaller items. At the corners, four cruciform shapes. Cloth fine to very fine, with excellent colors, especially for the red. Width: 4-1/4". Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 846		Amusing Satyr Mask, in Red Terra Cotta. Phoenicia, c. 350-200 BC. Displayable masks were peculiar to Phoenician culture/art, and this little Pan maskette is more interesting than many. Molded in a moderately coarse-grained red clay, with up slanting brows and eyes, and smiling little mouth. To modern eyes, the appearance is more that of an impish Devil, rather than the rustic men-animals associated with Dionysus. A little chipping to one ear, and a re-attached fragment at chin, otherwise object intact and nearly pristine. Height: 4-5/8"; on custom base. Rare and eye-catching -- a fun artifact! Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 847		Attic or South Italian Squat Lekythos, with Fed-Figure Image of Nike. Athens or Apulia, c. late 5th-4th century BC. This little vessel for scented oils, decorated in red wash and black glaze. Well potted in a fine grain, pinkish orange clay, the bottle with flaring mouth and single handle. Vessel shows a lively rendering of Nike (Victory) flying right, over groundline with petal decoration. Bottle intact, and as found, with numerous tiny peck marks to glaze, with a few larger scuffs here and there. Height: 4-1/4". Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $805
Lot 848		Celebrity-Owned, Rare and Colorful Daunian Amphora. Magna Graecia, perhaps Campanian, late 4th century BC. Panel-type amphora, in buff-creme ware, with high strap handles, columnar neck, funnel mouth, and low foot. In creme slip, and alternating bands of red and black circling the body, with similar scheme at the handles, the square panels at the neck, and the painted row of petals at neck's base. Finely preserved, with minor paint flaking, and an ancient "kill hole(?)" at side of vessel. Height: 13-3/4". Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. This shape very rare in the Daunian series, although reports indicate some Athenian types were being copied. Of special interest is that this vase was hand carried and personally delivered to astronaut Buzz Aldrin by noted screen actress, Gina Lolabrigida, for his part in America's landing on the moon. The autograph, signed note: "To my 'luny' friend Buzz, From your 'very luny' friend Gina." View details and enlarged photo	Realized $3,910
Lot 849		Daunian-ware Buff-colored Askos. Southern Italy, Apulia, 325-225 B.C. One of the classic wares of this culture. Decorated in brown, with geometric motifs: rhomboids, concentric circles and stripes abound. Re-assembled from a number of large pieces, with only modest restoration and minimal touch up. Height: 6-1/2". A very affordable antiquity of good size, which would compliment collections of both modern or ancient art. Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $518
Lot 850		Head of Female Votive in Terra Cotta. Etruscan, late 4th-3rd century BC. Good-sized head in deep rust-orange micaceous clay. Woman wears a veil at the back of her head, while her hair is parted in the middle and arranged into long corkscrew locks along the sides -- resembling the so-called "Libyan" locks. Head overall fine. Some chipping at back base; minor restoration to the nose, and some paint "enhancements" which can easily be removed. Height: 9". Estimated Value $700 - 900. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,110
Lot 851		Lot of Iridescent Roman Glass. Rome, c. 1st-5th century AD. Lot of two juglets and one vial. Earliest is the slim vial from the early Empire, which generally held unguents or lotions. The juglets with both round and square body shapes, with single handle at the side. All pieces intact, with a variety of iridescence -- from thin on the vial to colorful spots on the bottles. Heights: 3-1/2" - 4-3/4". Lot of 3 items. Estimated Value $400 - 650. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $690
Lot 852		Substantial Ceramic Pot. Medieval Palestine, c. 1200-1400 AD. Probably a storage vessel -- of medium size, and very thick-walled. Fashioned in a coarse, gritty dark gray ware, with tan-buff glaze, and red paint at the neck and encircling the base. Some wear to the glazes, but pot overall in very fine condition. Interesting, as we rarely see medieval items from this area. Height: 10". Estimated Value $300 - 400. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 853		Necklace of Ancient Beads from Mali. Circa 900-1400 AD. A handsome strand of carnelian, quartzite, and other beads -- mostly indigenous to Mali. Also seen are a few medieval Islamic, a couple of modern, and perhaps a Roman or two. The variety of beads is due to the nature of the numerous trade routes passing through Djenne, Mali. A very fine strand, and harder to obtain these days. Length: 24". Estimated Value $200 - 300. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $115