A "Graeco-Egyptian" Hematite Magical Amulet, circa 3rd century A.D.

finely engraved on one side with two small confronted heads beneath a snake-legged, cock-headed, and cuirassed deity (anguipes) holding a shield and surrounded by an invocation in Greek reading ΙΑΩ, ΣΑΒΑΩ, ΑΔΩΝΑΙ, ΑΒΡΑΣΑΧ, ΒΑ[Ι]ΝΧΩΩΧ, ΜΙΧΑΗΛ [...] (Iaô, Sabaô[th], Adônai, Abrasax, Baïnchôôch, Michaêl, [....]), and on on the other side with Horus-Harpocrates seated on a lotus blossom, flanked by Anubis and a mummiform deity with entwined serpent, all in a sacred barque adorned with heads of Helios and Selene at the bow and stern, a prayer in Greek engraved around the circumference and ending in the field: ΕΒΟΗΘΙ ΤΟΝ ΦΟΡΟΥΝ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΝΤΙΔΙΚΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟ ΛΥΣΟN ΑΠΟ ΠΑΝ ΚΑΚΟΥ ("Protect the wearer against enemies and from disease, from all evil"); remains of the original silver mount.

acquired by the present owner's grandfather, a sailor and ancient coin collector, during his travels in the 1960s

In very good condition, only slightly worn. Possibly small area of restauration on the front of angupes' beak. Two small sections of what appear to be the original silver mount preserved.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The obverse/reverse combination cock-headed anguipes/Horus-Harpocrates occurs on five other known examples (see Campbell Bonner Magical Gems Database, http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/). For further research see Campbell Bonner, Studies in magical amulets, chiefly Graeco-Egyptian, 1950, to be supplemented by S. Michel, Die magischen Gemmen. Zu Bildern und Zauberformeln auf geschnittenen Steinen der Antike und Neuzeit, 2004, passim.