Pestle and Mortar.... Really?

Atlantia · 12th June 2010, 09:49 PM

Can you guys have a look at this please.
The 'pestle' is huge (80cm long) iron and very heavy. Just doesn't look right to me. I know its a bit OT but has anyone seen anything like these before?
The pestle has a hole through it, small one side (3mm ish) wider on the other and rectangular (7mm/3mm ish).

Thanks
Gene

tom hyle · 25th June 2010, 02:16 PM

Well, it's pretty definitely a mortar. Looks pestly; they came together? Vs a wooden pestle it was likely expensive material wise (would be cheaper now, probably though), and more work to make, but consider the durablity and increased bite of the harder surface, and also the assistance the weight would give to the work. Certainly seems too heavy for a weapon. What's with the little hole? What's with the depressed band? I don't know. Did a fulcrum/axel/turning handle insert through the wedge-shaped hole? Did something grab the depressed spot? Does it seem original with hammer marks (I see none in the depression) or worn in with rotary wear from use? Interesting too.

Rick · 25th June 2010, 06:09 PM

The top 2 pictures are missing for me, Gene .

fernando · 25th June 2010, 07:38 PM

Hi Gene,
Such a heavy iron thing hitting into (apparently soft) wood ... what an odd combination

Shouldn't the 'mortar' upper rim be regular, instead of grooved?
Have you tried to simulate some striking? Does it feel plausible?
Fernando

katana · 26th June 2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

Hi Gene,
Such a heavy iron thing hitting into (apparently soft) wood ... what an odd combination

Fernando

If the pestle and mortar are an original 'matched' pair ...I can think of one possible use ...to 'refine' gunpowder. This would explain why metal would be used with wood......metal to metal could generate heat/sparks .....not good with black powder around

. I would imagine that stored black powder may 'clump up' into lumps, if used, without breaking them up, the effectiveness of the powder is much reduced ...lessening the explosive power.

When I first saw the pictures.....I kept thinking the 'high' seas and cannons.... I'm probably 'wide of the mark' ....it certainly wouldn't be the first time

Regards David

tom hyle · 26th June 2010, 02:54 PM

And the channel around the mouth of the mortar catches spills. Nice

Owner; pleas stick as much of your head as will fit in there and breathe deeply. I'm serious. Any interesting smells?

laEspadaAncha · 26th June 2010, 06:34 PM

Looks more like a butter churn IMO, though the idea of an iron churn is rather unappetizing.

12th June 2010, 09:49 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Pestle and Mortar.... Really? Can you guys have a look at this please. The 'pestle' is huge (80cm long) iron and very heavy. Just doesn't look right to me. I know its a bit OT but has anyone seen anything like these before? The pestle has a hole through it, small one side (3mm ish) wider on the other and rectangular (7mm/3mm ish). Thanks Gene Last edited by Atlantia; 12th June 2010 at 10:30 PM.

25th June 2010, 07:38 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Bizarre Hi Gene, Such a heavy iron thing hitting into (apparently soft) wood ... what an odd combination Shouldn't the 'mortar' upper rim be regular, instead of grooved? Have you tried to simulate some striking? Does it feel plausible? Fernando

25th June 2010, 02:16 PM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Well, it's pretty definitely a mortar. Looks pestly; they came together? Vs a wooden pestle it was likely expensive material wise (would be cheaper now, probably though), and more work to make, but consider the durablity and increased bite of the harder surface, and also the assistance the weight would give to the work. Certainly seems too heavy for a weapon. What's with the little hole? What's with the depressed band? I don't know. Did a fulcrum/axel/turning handle insert through the wedge-shaped hole? Did something grab the depressed spot? Does it seem original with hammer marks (I see none in the depression) or worn in with rotary wear from use? Interesting too.

25th June 2010, 06:09 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	The top 2 pictures are missing for me, Gene .

26th June 2010, 02:54 PM	#6
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	And the channel around the mouth of the mortar catches spills. Nice Owner; pleas stick as much of your head as will fit in there and breathe deeply. I'm serious. Any interesting smells?

26th June 2010, 06:34 PM	#7
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Looks more like a butter churn IMO, though the idea of an iron churn is rather unappetizing.