Object Description
This is a superb antique Victorian golden oak cased three decanter tantalus with decorative silver plated cut brass gothic revival mounts and carry handles to the sides, the decanters with sterling silver labels, circa 1880 in date.
This magnificent tantalus features three wonderful hobnail cut square decanters with faceted ball stoppers and a mirrored back. The twin flap compartment in front revealing a delightful divisioned baize lined interior with four cut crystal glasses.
The decanters each with a decorative antique Victorian sterling silver label, for Whisky, Sherry and Brandy.
There is a secret compartment in the base, which can be opened by pressing the secret button in front of the central decanter, revealing playing cards, cribbage board with score markers and dice.
Complete with working Chubb lock and key.
It is a truly decorative piece which is also very practical and would make a lovely gift.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 34 cm x Width 38 cm x Depth 30 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 1 foot
Tantalus
is a type of liquor decanter in which the bottle stoppers are locked down tightly by a metal bar. This was to prevent the theft of the contents by servants. Like the name suggests, the decanters themselves are visible, drawing temptation while unattainable. A key is required for entry.
The most common types of tantalus holds three bottles or decanters while there are also smaller types housing only two. There are many different forms of tantalus. Often the encasement has metal handles on both sides and ornately carved decor. Crystal and metal versions are also a beautiful option when choosing a tantalus.
Tantalus derived its name from the story of the mythological Greek king, Tantalus, mortal son of Zeus and Pluto. To be tantalized is to be tempted with the unattainable, and the king was sorely tested. He was condemned to an eternity in Hades for angering the Gods and was forced to stand forever in water that, when he bent to drink, would recede and to gaze upon foods he could only reach for and never grasp.
The 1800s saw our Victorian predecessors apply the King’s name to the lockable decanter.
Oak
is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus – Latin “oak tree” having approximately 600 extant species. Oak wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3, great strength and hardness, and is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. It also has very appealing grain markings, particularly when quartersawn. Oak wood is very durable, easy to maintain and resistant to wear and tear which is why it can be easily handed to the next generations if taken well care of.
Oak wood virtually lasts forever and you can still admire oak furniture in museums and palaces even if it was made many centuries ago. Oak has been prized since the Middle Ages for use in interior panelling of prestigious buildings such as the debating chamber of the House of Commons in London and in the construction of fine furniture.
Chubb & Sons – the firm was established by Jeremiah Chubb who arrived in Woolverhampton to open a lock-making factory in 1818.
In 1820 he opened a factory in Temple Street, and in 1836 moved to St James’ Square. In 1838 the works moved to Railway Street on the site of the Old Workhouse.
A Chubb detector lock is a type of lever tumbler lock with an integral security feature, a form of re-locker, which frustrates unauthorised access attempts and indicates to the lock’s owner that it has been interfered with. When someone tries to pick the lock or to open it using the wrong key, the lock is designed to jam in a locked state until (depending on the lock) either a special regulator key or the original key is inserted and turned in a different direction. This alerts the owner to the fact that the lock has been tampered with.
Our reference: A3825