Seventeenth Century Bronze Mortar 

A rare 17th Century bronze mortar, probably made to mark the coronation of Charles II or James II, produced in London, Whitechapel or by Samuel Smith in York.

The decorative band around the flared top is cast with three cabochon stones interspersed with diamonds and the cross that surmounts the St. Edward’s Crown, restored in 1660 for the coronation of Charles II. The swagged trellis around the body is topped alternatively with three beads, perhaps referencing the fleur de lys of this crown, and five beads, the four jewelled arms of the cross with the further stone at its centre.

This same pattern is to be found on ‘York’ mortars although it is interesting to note that a ‘York’ mortar, formerly in the Farndon Collection and sold at Christie’s 1st May 1996, may have been cast at Whitechapel. The mortars made at York are cast by Samuel Smith, the detail finer and better described than this.

Retaining a truly wonderful colour perhaps the original pestle.

h:4 3/4 ins x dia:6 1/8 ins