Mortar and Pestle

I guess it was made just for decoration and mounted on the top of something? Or it was later turned into? Origin, age?
Thanks

 

Is that screw in the pestle? Often used as a sign of a druggist. Perhaps a pharmacy decoration?

 

I am thinking the screw and the hole were made later.

 

How about a view into the mortar from the top?

 

'70s decorative item

 

The lug beside the stud is a weird design feature. The only way that could fit into the hole clearly designed for it is if the pestle is first placed into the mortar, then the stud screwed in,but it looks as if the stud is fixed in the pestle. How did you ever get them apart.? Also it looks as if the stud is far longer than the hole provided.

The hole in the base and the recess for the lug appear to be cast in, proving the item is decorative modern rather than modified old.

 

appears to be more of a display or award piece (just missing the base). Similar one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5911-Vintag...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Was mounted on a stand maybe a wood block for display where the pestle would stick up at an angle as if on a pharmacist' shelf. Casting quality and definition are poor.