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
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...a/SDC10768.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...a/SDC10773.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...a/SDC10772.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...a/SDC10771.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...a/SDC10769.jpg

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.

The top 2 pictures are missing for me, Gene . :confused:

Bizarre
 

Hi Gene,
Such a heavy iron thing hitting into (apparently soft) wood ... what an odd combination :confused:
Shouldn't the 'mortar' upper rim be regular, instead of grooved?
Have you tried to simulate some striking? Does it feel plausible?
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

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?

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