A Charles II bronze mortar

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more

Details

A Charles II bronze mortar
The flared body cast four times with tree-like motifs, interspersed with the initials and dates I.I., B.1664, then A.P., and R.A., over 1668
5 3/8in. (13.7cm.) diameter; 4 7/16in. (11.3cm.) high;
an English bronze mortar, possibly 16th century, the buttressed body with two angular handles alternately with two loop handles (the latter now bereft), with scratch marks between -- 4 5/8in. (11.7cm.) diameter; 3in. (7.7cm.) high; and two associated bronze pestles -- 7in. (17.8cm.) and 6½in. (16.5cm.) long, respectively (4)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges

Lot Essay

The tree-like motif which appears on the first mortar in this lot also appears on a mortar in Ludlow Museum (no.12) along with several other scratch marks. The marks are further similar to those by Clement Tosier of Salisbury, a founder working in the late 17th and early 18th century, the mark also appearing as his signiature on a document dated 1680., see H.B. Walters, Church Bells of Wiltshire, p.173. However the present mortar, dated 1664, is somewhat too early for his recorded dates.

The second mortar described in the lot, with downward pointing arrow-like scratch mark, which is reminiscent of the foundry mark of Robert Oldfield of Hertford (fl.1605-40). The X mark was used by various founders.

More from OAK, COUNTRY FURNITURE, FOLK ART AND WORKS OF ART

View All