Object Description
This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860 in date.
It features brass inlaid decoration on the top and front with tulip wood banding. The hinged lid and the hinged sides open to reveal a lift-out stand fitted with four liquor decanters and stoppers and sixteen glasses.
Complete with original working lock and key, it is an absolutely superb set which is sure to attract a lot of attention.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition.
Complete with 14 original glasses and 2 that have been added later.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 41 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 23 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 9 inches
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. To be tantalized is to be tempted with the unattainable, and the king, condemned to an eternity in Hades, was sorely tested. He 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.
Birdseye Maple
occurs primarily in Sugar Maple and is a very hard wood with divergent grain structure caused by the presence of the Birdseyes.
In the days when all furniture was made essentially by hand, Birdseye Maple was used by only the most capable cabinetmakers. These artisans had developed the tools and skills to work and finish Birdseye Maple successfully. Antique furniture made out of Birdseye Maple is rare and beautiful.
The divergent grain that makes Birdseye Maple beautiful also makes it difficult to work. Early woodworking machines ran at low rpms and had only 2 knives per cutterhead. This often produced Birdseye surfaces that were chipped and torn. It took many hours of hand planing and scraping to get these surfaces to a high sheen.
This limited the use of Birdseye maple to projects whose value could justify the extra labour cost. Examples of this are fine furniture and musical instruments.
Our reference: A3477