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
Internal Reference: A4089
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1138980
Dateline of this antique is 1880
Height is 36.5cm (14.4inches)Width is 35.5cm (14.0inches)Depth is 22.5cm (8.9inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.