English Bell-Metal Mortar, inscribed ‘IP’ ‘AP’ and ‘1611’. Manufactured in the foundry of Henry Farmer in possibly Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire or Evesham, Worcestershire

Description

This English bell-metal mortar, was manufactured in the foundry of Henry Farmer in possibly either Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire or Evesham, Worcestershire in 1611.
The waist is inscribed with the date ‘1611’, with fleur-de-lys stops, on one side of the body, and 2 sets of initials, ‘IP’ above ‘AP’, on the other. These initials signify joint ownership, probably between a husband and wife, and may indicate that the mortar was made as a marriage gift.
The mortar has two square handles. The rim has a band containing an undulating design of flowers and leaves. While the base has a band decorated with leaves and fleurs-de-lys.