A Large & Impressive Italian Bronze Mortar dated 1798.

A Large & Impressive Italian Bronze Mortar dated 1798. The protuberant knop handles cast with face mask terminals. The frieze ornamented with relief cast floral sprigs, a cockerel, lobster, prancing lion and a centurion between decorative rim and foot bands incorporating text; NE TE DOMINE SPERAVI INDUSTRIA ET LABORE . JOANNIS CLAUDIL SONGEON to the top and LUDOVICUS LEONARD FECIT ANNO MDCCIXVIII to the base. 12 ins (31 cms) high, 15 ins (38 cms) in diameter.