Featured wrought iron pestle and mortar

I think i may have found something extreme rare. A wrought iron pestle and mortar with two lose ring around it. I have never heard of one let alone seen one. What is your opinion guys? It has a stamp on it, don't know what?

 

I have seen quite a few iron mortar and pestle pieces - typically 19th or earlier. Super cool. Some say they were recycled from cannon pieces, war pieces, etc. Never seen one marked. I love how rustic it is!

 

Yes i have seen also allot of cast iron mortars but this one is wrought iron and that means it is made up of iron sheets forget together. That and also the mark on it make it pretty rare. Because i have never seen one or heard from it.

 

What a great looking thing. Just oozes age and character. And with that mark is just seems really special. I really like it plenty! Great find Hunt! I really hope we learn more…

 

Thanks i am super thrilled with it, here some photo's of the inside and side. P.S. those are not welding seams but hammered together sheets like in the old medieval time.

 

A product of major 'smithing skills, no question. The rings may have served to isolate heat from its contents, from the fingers of the user. A most unusual an' very interesting find, Hunt...Thanks!

 

Very cool. Thanks for the additional photos.

 

i have send an email to the antique metal ware society that deal with antique mortars. I am very curious what they will say.

 

Yeah...good move. Me, too!

 

WOUW read this Answer:

Dear Alexander,

Many thanks indeed for your message, and for sharing the images and description of your very interesting mortar and pestle.

I've contacted one of my AMS colleagues who has extensive knowledge of antique mortars, and this was their response:

'A very interesting pestle and mortar. Quite old, but always difficult with cast iron to date, and I've never seen one quite like it. Stylistically I would think it is German and probably date wise 15/16th century, could even be a little earlier or a little later. Pestle is also interesting as well and it may have been attached to the mortar possibly with a chain. Are the rings loose or fixed to the mortar I wonder?

'I would be very surprised [if it was wrought iron]. It looks like repairs and pounding cracks to me as you get in brass or bronze but much easier to administer repairs in cast iron; would have to see it in the flesh to really determine which. Wrought would not stand up to the pounding over a long period. I have never heard of a wrought iron mortar, just not practical.'

With all best wishes,

Kate

 

Wow! And just as impressed with the response as I am with the fact that there's an "antique metal ware society that deal with antique mortars."

Debora

 

You must tell us where you found this -- if you don't mind sharing.

Debora

 

share the knowledge: https://www.antiquemetalware.org.uk/category/gallery/domestic/mortars/

 

Unbelievable.

https://www.antiquemetalware.org.uk/2016/12/07/mechanical-hand/

Debora

 

My mother was a goldsmith and has allot of books about antique goldsmithing and she found a passage in a book where the explained that to make enamel they first crushed it in a steel or iron mortar and the ground it finer in a agate mortar and by coincedence i bought a antique agate mortar and now the set is complete.

 

That is one helluva site! Spent a half hour following my nose, Most enjoyable. I may even join...

 

Truly!

 

Wow,what a great response and so helpful of them. ! What a find! Belongs in a museum!

 

Very interesting items. Thanks

 

yes probably one of a kind, wonder if leonardo da vinci had something to do with it. Hahaha. forever dreaming