0
15,162  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 24  ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Sort Order
Latest
Price Low
Price High
sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1228294
FOR SALE
£400
Email
Save
Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720
Ritas Bazaar
for sale €468     $508
£400

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealers Stock Page
Relevant Links
Id #SA1228294
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720

17th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

A rare antique Spanish Renaissance to early Baroque cast bronze apothecary mortar, manufactured in Spain, circa 1650-1720. The heavy bell-shaped body is sand-cast and strengthened by four vertical ribs dividing the exterior into four panels. Each panel is cast in relief with the crowned arms of the House of Enríquez, displaying two castles above a lion in the traditional mantled arrangement. The House of Enríquez was one of the foremost noble families of medieval and early modern Castile.

The exceptionally thick body and deep hemispherical interior retain extensive evidence of historic use, including numerous pestle marks, old mineral deposits and a dark grey-green patina developed over centuries. The exterior preserves stable green malachite oxidation, while the underside displays characteristic seventeenth-century sand-casting features together with honest age-related wear.

Comparable mortars bearing the arms of the House of Enríquez are preserved in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, while closely related examples have also appeared at public auction and on the Spanish antiques market.

An uncommon seventeenth-century Spanish apothecary mortar combining noble heraldry, documented comparative examples and excellent preservation, making it an important piece for collectors of early European bronze and historical scientific or medical instruments.

Dimensions:

Weight: 1071 g

Height: 7.2 cm

Diameter: 10.8 cm

Condition:

Excellent antique condition with a well-preserved historic patina. No cracks or structural damage.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Physical Dimensions
Height
7.2cm (2.83")
Width
10.8cm (4.25")
Depth
10.8cm (4.25")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Spanish Bronze Apothecary Mortar to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1228294
Dealers Internal Reference
B1824
Description
A rare antique Spanish Renaissance to early Baroque cast bronze apothecary mortar, manufactured in Spain, circa 1650-1720.
“
The heavy bell-shaped body is sand-cast and strengthened by four vertical ribs dividing the exterior into four panels.
Ritas Bazaar

Each panel is cast in relief with the crowned arms of the House of Enríquez, displaying two castles above a lion in the traditional mantled arrangement. The House of Enríquez was one of the foremost noble families of medieval and early modern Castile.

fig 1. A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
fig 1. Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720

The exceptionally thick body and deep hemispherical interior retain extensive evidence of historic use, including numerous pestle marks, old mineral deposits and a dark grey-green patina developed over centuries. The exterior preserves stable green malachite oxidation, while the underside displays characteristic seventeenth-century sand-casting features together with honest age-related wear.

fig 2. A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
fig 2. Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720

Comparable mortars bearing the arms of the House of Enríquez are preserved in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, while closely related examples have also appeared at public auction and on the Spanish antiques market.

fig 3. A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
fig 3. Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720

An uncommon seventeenth-century Spanish apothecary mortar combining noble heraldry, documented comparative examples and excellent preservation, making it an important piece for collectors of early European bronze and historical scientific or medical instruments.

fig 4. A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
fig 4. Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, C.1650-1720

Dimensions:

Weight: 1071 g

Height: 7.2 cm

Diameter: 10.8 cm

Condition:

Excellent antique condition with a well-preserved historic patina. No cracks or structural damage.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Height
7.2cm (2.83")
Width
10.8cm (4.25")
Depth
10.8cm (4.25")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Spanish Bronze Apothecary Mortar to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1228294
Dealers Internal Ref
B1824
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
1 / 12
Archive I A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.

Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, c.1650-1720

Archive II A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View II
Archive III A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View III
Archive IV A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View IV
Archive V A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View V
Archive VI A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View VI
Archive VII A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View VII
Archive VIII A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View VIII
Archive IX A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View IX
Archive X A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View X
Archive XI A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View XI
Archive XII A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim. View XII
Enlarged Archival View

Ritas Bazaar
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 216
Items Sold 36
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ritasbazaar
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
216
Sold
36
A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
Rare Spanish Cast Bronze Apothecary Mortar with House of Enríquez Arms, c.1650-1720
Ref: SA1228294
A heavy 17th-century cast bronze apothecary mortar featuring raised heraldic coat of arms motifs and side lugs around a flared rim.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

FAQs

Cast bronze mortars were essential tools in Iberian apothecaries and monasteries from the Renaissance through the Baroque period. They were used to grind dry ingredients and herbs for medicinal preparations, often commissioned with family crests or religious emblems to indicate ownership.

These vessels were typically cast from heavy copper alloys, primarily bronze or brass, using sand or lost-wax casting techniques. The metal mixture was chosen for its durability against repeated impact, and decorative elements like side lugs and crests were rendered directly into the mold.

Authentic period mortars feature heavy construction, hand-chased or cast high-relief heraldry, and visible signs of interior wear from use. The exterior surface generally displays a natural dark patina and minor casting imperfections consistent with early modern foundry work.

A bronze mortar serves as a tactile, sculptural object on a desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece. Its dark patinated finish and architectural profile balance contemporary minimalism or complement traditional study interiors.

Maintain the surface by dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth and avoiding abrasive chemical cleaners or polishes that strip the natural patina. A thin coat of microcrystalline wax can be applied periodically to protect the metal from atmospheric oxidisation.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories