These vessels ground dried herbs, minerals, and chemical ingredients into fine powders for medicines, dyes, and cooking preparations. The heavy pestle provided the crushing force inside the rigid mortar bowl. Operators held the pestle vertically, using a rotating and pounding motion to break down stubborn materials against the thick interior base.

Are bronze and brass mortars heavy?

Metal apothecary mortars possess substantial weight to prevent movement during vigorous grinding work. Even smaller examples require two hands to lift securely. Industrial and dye maker variants scale this weight up significantly, sometimes exceeding one hundred pounds to handle heavy commercial tasks.

How do I date an antique set?

Dating relies on material choice, casting style, and surface wear patterns. Seventeenth-century examples often display rougher casting textures, Tudor roses, or specific heraldic devices. Later Victorian and Georgian pieces tend to show cleaner turned lines, standardised chemist markings, or brighter brass compositions.

Can I use them today?

Many metal and wooden sets remain structurally sound enough for light kitchen grinding or dry spice preparation. Historic materials require careful hand cleaning without harsh detergents. Some collectors prefer to display them as decorative objects rather than subjecting centuries-old surfaces to modern culinary wear.

Search 0

75,273 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 246 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN DEALER LOGIN

Saved

GIFTSNEW

Apothecary Vessel Pestle

246 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Apothecary Vessel Pestle

19 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

These apothecary vessel pestle items span centuries of practical chemistry and kitchen use, offering heavy metal and dense wood tools designed for crushing.

Bronze Mortar with Unusual Pestle Circa 1700.

18th century

Save

Bronze Mortar with Unusual Pestle Circa 1700.

From Koos Limburg Jnr. Scotland

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

17th century

Save

Antique Tudor Rose Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, 17th Century

From London Fine Antiques

£985

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

17th century

Save

A 17th Century Mortar

From Oliveri Antiques Ltd

£950

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

← 1 2 →

65,509

Antiques For Sale

246

Antiques Approved Today

4,573

Antique Uploads This Month

441,115

Total Antiques Sold

Apothecary Vessel Pestle

Bronze Mortar with Unusual Pestle Circa 1700.

Antique Tudor Rose Mortar and Pestle, English, Bronze, Apothecary, 17th Century

A 17th Century Mortar

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories