Small brass mortar with pestle identification help

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by BT0716, Sep 25, 2024 at 6:19 PM.

  1. BT0716

    BT0716 New Member

    20240926_000958.jpg 20240926_000925.jpg 20240926_000906.jpg 20240926_000943.jpg 20240926_000915.jpg 20240926_001020.jpg 20240926_001020.jpg Hello everyone,
    This is my first-ever post, so forgive me if it's a bit amateur. I am not a professional, just a hobby collector of antique/vintage items of all sorts (especially ceramics).

    I bought this small (5x5 cm or 2"x2") solid brass mortar from a private guy on FB marketplace. I am trying to figure out how old it could be, and where it could come from.
    I noticed the pestle has a basic design, not intricate or decorated. The mortar looks to me very worn, with deeper dents here and there. I tried to search it with Google Lens, and when I found a similar-looking mortar, it said it was from Tunisia. I am not very sure tho, as I don't know that website, and it might not be a very specific motif. On the bottom there is nothing engraved, it is just scratched.

    Can you all please help me with figuring this out? How old could this be, and from where? Could it be valuable?

    Thanks in advance for everyone!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 26, 2024 at 10:11 AM
  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    I'm going to say India....and of little value as the casting is poor and no one would ever use this to grind up anything.
     
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  3. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    Agree. Looks like a decorative item from India.
     
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  4. BT0716

    BT0716 New Member

    Thank you for your help! @bluumz @komokwa
    Yeah, I thought it was not very good for grinding anymore... But I think many antiques are valuable despite their lack of practicality.
    Btw, I found these two online, with almost identical motifs, and these two are from Tunisia. The second one has "Tunis .99" engraved at the bottom. Any thoughts? mortar.png mortar2.png
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2024 at 10:21 AM
    komokwa likes this.
  5. i need help

    i need help Moderator Moderator

    @BT0716 I've enlarged your photos. Next time tic the box for all photos full image. :)
     
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  6. BT0716

    BT0716 New Member

    Oh, sorry! Thank you very much! :)
     
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  7. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    yup the ones u found seem similar........ but are still tourist items of low value...
    imo....
     
    BT0716 likes this.
  8. BT0716

    BT0716 New Member

    Okay, thank you! :)
     
    komokwa likes this.
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