A Fine Queen Anne Bronze Mortar

Having a triad of marriage initials N over R M, which are centred around a small heart. To the reverse is the date 1707. The body of the mortar has ring, or “wire” decoration around the top and base, the loop handles are decorated with a twist down the centres.

Maker Ralph Ashton of Wigan, Lancashire (flourished 1703-1728).

See M Finlay, “English Decorated Bronze Mortars and their Makers”, page 54-57.