a rare French mortar of bell metal, by Benigneur Roussel dated 1661

of inverted bell-shape, the sides cast with leaves, Fleur-de-Lys, the founder's mark incorporating name encircling a bell, flanked by the year 1661, the rim cast with further Fleur-de-Lys and the inscription IE SVIS A PIERRE DVBOIS, silver-grey patina; with associated pestle