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Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Sold by London Fine Antiques
sold SA1118293
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
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Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

19th century
Sold 29 April 2025 · London Fine Antiques
This “Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian” found a buyer.

It was listed by London Fine Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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English TantalusLocked Decanter StandSpirit Cabinet Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

This is a small antique connoisseur's Tantalus. An English, walnut three decanter case with Gothic Revival overtones, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.

Fascinating diminutive Tantalus, for the discerning taster

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

Select walnut shows fine figuring and rich caramel hues

Three cut glass decanters with closely matched patterns and faceted stoppers

Accentuated with brass cappings in the Gothic manner

Lock escutcheon to the centre — in working order, key present

Upon opening, the lined tray springs forward for access

Named for the character in Greek mythology, Tantalus

The locking tantalus is an allegory for the inability to satisfy temptations

Ideally suited for the displaying of fine spirits without unsolicited access

This is a charming antique connoisseur's Tantalus, with an appealing Gothic revival manner and providing a trio of decanters for hosting favourite tipples. Delivered ready for the home.

Dimensions:

Max Width: 28cm (11'')

Max Depth: 11.5cm (4.5'')

Max Height: 22cm (8.75'')

Decanter Width: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Decanter Depth: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Decanter Height: 14cm (5.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Walnut Tantalus to the Victorian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
11.5cm (4.53")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1118293
Dealers Internal Reference
24985
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is a small antique connoisseur's Tantalus.
“
An English, walnut three decanter case with Gothic Revival overtones, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880.
London Fine Antiques

Fascinating diminutive Tantalus, for the discerning taster

fig 1. An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
fig 1. Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

Select walnut shows fine figuring and rich caramel hues

Three cut glass decanters with closely matched patterns and faceted stoppers

Accentuated with brass cappings in the Gothic manner

fig 2. An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
fig 2. Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Lock escutcheon to the centre — in working order, key present

Upon opening, the lined tray springs forward for access

Named for the character in Greek mythology, Tantalus

The locking tantalus is an allegory for the inability to satisfy temptations

fig 3. An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
fig 3. Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Ideally suited for the displaying of fine spirits without unsolicited access

This is a charming antique connoisseur's Tantalus, with an appealing Gothic revival manner and providing a trio of decanters for hosting favourite tipples. Delivered ready for the home.

fig 4. An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
fig 4. Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Dimensions:

Max Width: 28cm (11'')

Max Depth: 11.5cm (4.5'')

Max Height: 22cm (8.75'')

Decanter Width: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Decanter Depth: 5.5cm (2.25'')

Decanter Height: 14cm (5.5'')

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our antiques.

fig 5. An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
fig 5. Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

We ship worldwide with professional packing and attractive rates – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.

Free delivery to most of the U.K. – Please send us your post code for confirmation.

Deliveries taking on average ten working days to arrive at your door from receipt of payment.

Please contact us if you require any further information - we are here to help.

Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Antique Walnut Tantalus to the Victorian era.

Height
22cm (8.66")
Width
28cm (11.02")
Depth
11.5cm (4.53")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1118293
Dealers Internal Ref
24985
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 12
Archive I An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian

Archive II An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View II
Archive III An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View III
Archive IV An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View IV
Archive V An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View V
Archive VI An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View VI
Archive VII An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View VII
Archive VIII An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View VIII
Archive IX An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View IX
Archive X An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View X
Archive XI An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View XI
Archive XII An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 948
Items Sold 5,668
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
948
Sold
5,668
An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
Small Antique Tantalus, English, Walnut, 3 Decanters, Gothic Revival, Victorian
Ref: SA1118293
An antique walnut and iron tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with geometric stoppers.
Detail View 1
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectBarware
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGothic Revival
  • MaterialWalnut, Glass, Iron
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCut glass crystal, Iron strapping, Locking mechanism, Gothic strapwork
  • SizeH 22 cm (9 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 11.5 cm (5 in)

FAQs

A tantalus is a locking cabinet designed to hold decanters of alcoholic spirits, preventing unauthorised access while displaying the contents. The device gained popularity during the Victorian era in Britain, typically featuring a wooden frame with a metal locking bar secured by a key.

Traditional tantaluses are constructed from high-quality hardwoods such as walnut, mahogany, or oak, often featuring burr veneers and brass or iron mounts. The frames house hand-cut lead crystal decanters with matching stoppers, secured by complex metal locking mechanisms.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit period-appropriate construction methods, such as hand-cut dovetail joints, cast metal hardware with natural oxidisation, and heavy lead crystal decanters with polished pontil marks. The locking mechanism should show genuine mechanical wear consistent with nineteenth-century manufacturing.

A tantalus serves as a striking focal point when displayed on a sideboard, home bar, or cocktail cart, blending historical craftsmanship with functional elegance. It pairs particularly well with dark wood surfaces, leather accents, and sophisticated entertaining spaces.

Maintain the wooden frame using microcrystalline wax to nourish the finish without leaving a residue, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners. The crystal decanters should be washed by hand with warm water and mild soap, ensuring stoppers are stored separately to prevent sticking.
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