What is a Victorian tantalus cabinet?

A tantalus cabinet is a 19th-century lockable wooden container designed to secure decanters while keeping their contents visible, preventing unauthorized access to spirits.

Which materials were traditionally used in 19th-century tantalus construction?

These pieces were typically crafted using highly figured woods such as pollard oak, walnut, or mahogany, fitted with silver-plated or brass hardware and mouth-blown cut crystal decanters.

How do you identify an authentic 19th-century pollard oak tantalus?

Authentic period examples feature hand-cut joinery, stamped patent brass locks, heavy cut crystal decanters with matching stoppers or integral spigots, and the distinct burred grain of natural pollard oak.

How should an antique decanter tantalus be styled in a modern interior?

A desktop tantalus serves as a functional focal point when positioned on a dining room sideboard, home office desk, or dedicated bar cart in modern settings.

What is the proper method to clean and preserve a wood tantalus and crystal decanters?

Dust the timber surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth and treat periodically with beeswax, while hand-washing crystal elements in warm water without harsh abrasive cleaners.

for sale €3,218 $3,493

£2,750

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19th Century Tantalus

Antique Cigar Humidor

Id #SA1138980

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Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

Name: Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1138980
Price: 2750 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

A superb Victorian pollard oak combined humidor, tantalus and drinks cabinet Circa 1880 in date.

The magnificent tantalus having a hinged lid fitted with a Bramah patent lock with key and a pair of bevel-edged glass doors opening to reveal a fitted tray above three hobnail cut glass decanters with silver plated taps, fitted for and containing four large cut glass tumblers and two small stemmed cut glass liqueur glasses.

The cedar lined fitted tray above the decanters was used as a humidor for cigars, but is equally useful to keep the packs of playing cards, which are included.

It is a truly decorative piece which is also very practical and would make a lovely gift.

Condition:

In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 36.5 cm x Width 35.5 cm x Depth 22.5 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 9 inches

Pollard Oak

Pollarding is a pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. It has been common in Europe since medieval times and is practised today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a predetermined height. The bole of the tree, constantly cut back over a period of years, will eventually form a lump, or ‘burr’, which when sawn for veneer, gives a lovely grained, swirling figure.

The effect is similar to that of burr walnut with its distinctive speckled grain. Burrs, or ‘burls’, are growths which appear on the side of tree trunks, resulting from a tree undergoing some form of stress. They may be caused by an injury, virus or fungus.

During the 19th century great strides were made in the mechanisation of cabinet making. Marc Isambard Brunel [ Isambard Kingdom’s father] built the first steam driven saw mill, and invented a circular saw that could be used to cut veneers thinly and evenly for the first time. He also developed the first hydraulic veneer press. The figured wood cut from burrs and pollards is notoriously difficult to cut and lay: the wild grain which makes it so attractive results in a very delicate, brittle veneer. The new machines enabled the Victorian craftsmen to make the most of these beautiful timbers.

Bramah

is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture.

Our reference: A4089

Physical Dimensions

Height

36.5cm (14.37")

Width

35.5cm (13.98")

Depth

22.5cm (8.86")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Pollard Oak Decanter Tantalus to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1138980

Dealers Internal Reference

A4089

Description

A superb Victorian pollard oak combined humidor, tantalus and drinks cabinet Circa 1880 in date.

The magnificent tantalus having a hinged lid fitted with a Bramah patent lock with key and a pair of bevel-edged glass doors opening to reveal a fitted tray above three hobnail cut glass decanters with silver plated taps, fitted for and containing four large cut glass tumblers and two small stemmed cut glass liqueur glasses.

“

The cedar lined fitted tray above the decanters was used as a humidor for cigars, but is equally useful to keep the packs of playing cards, which are included.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 1. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

It is a truly decorative piece which is also very practical and would make a lovely gift.

Condition:

In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 2. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 2. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 36.5 cm x Width 35.5 cm x Depth 22.5 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 9 inches

Pollard Oak

Pollarding is a pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. It has been common in Europe since medieval times and is practised today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a predetermined height. The bole of the tree, constantly cut back over a period of years, will eventually form a lump, or ‘burr’, which when sawn for veneer, gives a lovely grained, swirling figure.

The effect is similar to that of burr walnut with its distinctive speckled grain. Burrs, or ‘burls’, are growths which appear on the side of tree trunks, resulting from a tree undergoing some form of stress. They may be caused by an injury, virus or fungus.

fig 4. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 4. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

During the 19th century great strides were made in the mechanisation of cabinet making. Marc Isambard Brunel [ Isambard Kingdom’s father] built the first steam driven saw mill, and invented a circular saw that could be used to cut veneers thinly and evenly for the first time. He also developed the first hydraulic veneer press. The figured wood cut from burrs and pollards is notoriously difficult to cut and lay: the wild grain which makes it so attractive results in a very delicate, brittle veneer. The new machines enabled the Victorian craftsmen to make the most of these beautiful timbers.

fig 5. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 5. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

Bramah

is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

fig 6. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 6. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

fig 7. A late 19th-century pollard oak tantalus cabinet with glazed double doors that open to display three cut crystal decanters and glassware racks. — fig 7. Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture.

Our reference: A4089