Mortar and pestle - Apothecaries / Herbalists - Bronze

Rare massive bronze pharmacy mortar with chiseled handles and its original pestle – Very decorative and imposing – 19th century or earlier?

Pharmacy mortar (or apothecary’s) in solid bronze of fine quality, accompanied by its original pestle.
A very massive and imposing piece for its size, with a warm antique golden/bronze patina.
Main features:
Material: Bronze (classic copper-based alloy for apothecary objects)
Height of the mortar alone: 10 cm
Wide top diameter: 10 cm
Total height with pestle in place: 18 cm
Pestle length: 20 cm
Weight: very heavy and solid (typical of high-quality professional mortars)
Shape: Cylindrical with a slight outward flare at the top, rolled lip, reinforced base
Handles: Two solid, openwork side handles, chiselled with a geometric/abstract motif (zigzag or chevron pattern highly visible in the photo) – rare on this type of piece
Decoration: The mortar body adorned with horizontal incised friezes and a central textured/hammered band, giving an artisanal and antique appearance
Pestle: Long ergonomic handle, finely turned with decorative grooves and a massive rounded head
Condition:
Very good overall condition for an old utilitarian object.
Uniform, natural patina, with no cracks or visible repairs.
Some light scratches and ordinary signs of use (inside the mortar slightly marked by pharmaceutical use), authenticating the piece.
No holes, cracks, or major restorations. A very sound and presentable item as is.
Comments:
Rare model thanks to its chiselled side handles and its massiveness despite relatively compact dimensions.
This type of mortar was used in pharmaceutical or herbal shops in the 19th century (possibly late 18th – early 20th century depending on region).
A functional yet highly decorative object, perfect for a collection of antique medical instruments, pharmacy items, apothecary works, or simply as a centerpiece on a desk/shelf for a science antique enthusiast.
Ideal for collectors of curiosity objects, High Medical Era pieces, or quality flea-market finds.