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English Bell-Metal Mortar, inscribed ‘AS’ ‘TF’ and ‘1664’. Manufactured at the Sturton Foundry, South Petherton, Somerset

© 2021 Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Description

English bell-metal mortar manufactured by Thomas Sturton II at The Sturton Foundry in South Petherton, Somerset in 1664.
The waist is inscribed with the initials ‘AS’ over ‘TF’ on one side, and the year ‘1664’ on the other. The two sets of initials probably belong to joint owners of the mortar.
Just above the base of the mortar is a band decorated with double toothed ornament. The rim has two small moulded rings or grooves. The base is small.

Fact

The Sturton Foundry in South Petherton, Somerset was active from around 1630-1695.