Bronze mortar, England, 1614

Made:
1614 in England
Bronze mortar, flared rim tapers down to rounded foot A604235, Bronze mortar, flared rim tapers down to rounded foot

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Bronze mortar, flared rim tapers down to rounded foot
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

A604235, Bronze mortar, flared rim tapers down to rounded foot
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bronze mortar, flared rim tapers down to rounded foot, flat base, 2 rounded handles, inscribed around rim, English, 1614

Mortars were bowls used to crush and grind ingredients for drug preparations that were often in the form of powders, ointments or solutions. The grinding was done with a pestle. This mortar is typical of the period as it is made from bell metal or bronze. Its bell shape suggests it may have been cast in a bell foundry, which was often the case. The inscription cast on to the side reads “Francis Cottrell 1614”. Cottrell was either the owner or the maker. This mortar is heavy and would have been able to withstand a large amount of force. It is shown here with a brass pestle (A659489).

Details

Category:
Pharmacy-ware
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A604235
Materials:
bronze
Measurements:
overall: 131 mm x 172 mm x 170 mm, 6.054 kg
type:
mortar