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ID #SA1152781
FOR SALE
£975
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Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C
Regent Antiques
for sale €1,141     $1,238
£975
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
Browse dealers 642 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
  • Trade Associations
    Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1152781
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Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

19th century
For Sale by Regent Antiques
Description

This is a superb antique Victorian walnut cased three decanter tantalus with decorative inlaid satinwood decoration, c1870 in date.

It was skillfully crafted in walnut with beautiful fan and line inlaid decoration and a stylish silver plated handle. There are three square shaped diamond cut crystal  decanters.

Complete with working lock and key.

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

Condition:

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

Dimensions in cm:

Height 31 cm x Width 36 cm x Depth 13 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 5 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, 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: A4501

Physical Dimensions
Height
31cm (12.20")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
13cm (5.12")
Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Antique Walnut Decanter Tantalus to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152781
Dealers Internal Reference
A4501
Description
This is a superb antique Victorian walnut cased three decanter tantalus with decorative inlaid satinwood decoration, c1870 in date.
“
It was skillfully crafted in walnut with beautiful fan and line inlaid decoration and a stylish silver plated handle.
Regent Antiques

There are three square shaped diamond cut crystal  decanters.

fig 1. An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
fig 1. Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

Complete with working lock and key.

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

Condition:

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

fig 2. An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
fig 2. Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 31 cm x Width 36 cm x Depth 13 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot x Width 1 foot, 2 inches x Depth 5 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.

fig 3. An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
fig 3. Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

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.

fig 4. An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
fig 4. Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

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: A4501

Height
31cm (12.20")
Width
36cm (14.17")
Depth
13cm (5.12")
Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Antique Walnut Decanter Tantalus to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152781
Dealers Internal Ref
A4501
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

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

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
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Archive I An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.

Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C

Archive II An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View II
Archive III An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
Archive V An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View V
Archive VI An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View VI
Archive VII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View VII
Archive VIII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View VIII
Archive IX An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View IX
Archive X An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View X
Archive XI An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XI
Archive XII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XII
Archive XIII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XIV
Archive XV An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XV
Archive XVI An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XVI
Archive XVII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XVII
Archive XVIII An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XVIII
Archive XIX An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XIX
Archive XX An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XX
Archive XXI An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle. View XXI
Enlarged Archival View
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques
Telephone 020 8809 9605 or 020 8802 3900
Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 642
Items Sold 2,643
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/regentantiques
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
642
Sold
2,643
An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
Antique Inlaid Walnut Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus C1870 19th C
Ref: SA1152781
An antique Victorian walnut tantalus holding three square cut crystal decanters with faceted round stoppers and a silver-toned metal carry handle.
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Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Invented in the 19th century by George Betjemann, the tantalus is a cabinet or stand designed to hold decanters securely behind a locked bar, preventing unauthorized consumption while keeping the contents visible.

Traditional pieces feature fine cabinet woods such as walnut, mahogany, or coromandel, paired with hand-cut crystal decanters and nickel, brass, or silver-plated metal framing mechanisms.

Authentic examples feature heavy lead crystal decanters with hand-cut diamond patterns, original locking mechanisms often stamped with patents, and precise marquetry or metalwork fittings.

A tantalus functions well positioned on a modern sideboard, bar cart, or library bookcase, serving as a focal point that merges classic hospitality with heritage decorative accents.

Clean the wooden frame with a soft, dry cloth and apply natural beeswax occasionally, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners; wash crystal decanters by hand with mild soap and warm water.
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