Object Description
This is a fine antique Victorian burr walnut three decanter tantalus with decorative gilt cut brass gothic revival mounts and carry handles to the sides, circa 1880 in date.
This magnificent tantalus is labelled
Edwards & Jones, 161 Regent Street, London
and features a rounded hinged top above a double folding front and drop side handles enclosing a lined interior fitted three hob-nail cut glass decanters and stoppers with an engraved gilded tray to the rear and fitted eight small glasses to the front.
Complete with the original and working 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 27 cm x Width 32 cm x Depth 23 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 11 inches x Width 1 foot, 1 inch x Depth 9 inches
Edwards & Jones were Stationers and Dressing Case Makers whose partnership started around 1865 and lasted until 1895. The partners were Edward Henry Edwards, who was originally from Chester and Alexander Jones. It is possible that Edwards was formerly in business on his own earlier as the Westminster Rates books show him as on the west side of Regent Street in 1856.
Although they are known to have taken out some patents, they also stocked items by other makers and noted in the 1865 Trade Directory that their premises at 161 Regent Street was also a depot for the well known company De La Rue. They are often listed in the directories under the headings of Dressing Case & Dressing Bag makers as well as Stationers. By 1880, they opened a second shop, not far from the first, at 167 Regent Street. At this address they had a Warehouse and shared the building with Duvelleroy Jules, a fan manufacture.
By 1895 the partnership had ended, probably due either to Jones retirement or death. The company was renamed Edwards & Sons. Edward Edwards had 4 sons and 3 daughters with his wife Harriet. Charles Alfred Edwards and John Frederick Edwards were the sons who joined their father’s business. Charles had formerly been a lace merchant but John appears to have worked for Edwards & Jones from an early age. 167 Regent Street was given up but 159 was added to their address. The business continued at least until 1928.
Edwards & Jones sold a wide variety of quality items, as you would expect from a West End Stationers. These included Dressing Cases and Bags, Country House or Hotel Letter Boxes, Chess Sets and Games, Inkwells and of course items manufactured by De La Rue & Co. who supplied them throughout their history
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.
Our reference: A4340