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Victorian Tantalus
Sold by John Howkins Antiques
sold SA1157842
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

John Howkins Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2010
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Id #SA1157842
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Victorian Tantalus

19th century
Sold 13 October 2025 · John Howkins Antiques
This “Victorian Tantalus” found a buyer.

It was listed by John Howkins 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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Description

A good Victorian golden oak three decanter tantalus having decorative brass mounts and side carrying handles. The three hobnail cut decanters with ball shaped stoppers and are in perfect condition. The mirrored back reflects the decanters, the twin flap compartment opens to a divided interior and hides the secret button which when pushed opens the frieze drawer. All in good useable condition. Dimensions:- Height…12.75’’/ 32.5cm. Width…14’’/ 35.5cm. Depth…10.75’’/ 27.5cm. Delivery by furniture carrier within the U.K. £32.

Physical Dimensions
Height
32.5cm (12.80")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
27.5cm (10.83")
Declaration

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Victorian Oak Tantalus to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1157842
Dealers Internal Reference
23664
Dealers Notes

ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME.

Viewing by appointment.

Delivery.

We will gladly provide a quote for delivery to any U.K Mainland address and we offer a full 7 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase. (Less the delivery cost)

Payment.

We accept payment by cheque or bank transfer.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information on this item on 07770 311611.

Description
A good Victorian golden oak three decanter tantalus having decorative brass mounts and side carrying handles. The three hobnail cut decanters with ball shaped stoppers and are in perfect condition.
“
The mirrored back reflects the decanters, the twin flap compartment opens to a divided interior and hides the secret button which when pushed opens the frieze drawer.
John Howkins Antiques

All in good useable condition. Dimensions:- Height…12.75’’/ 32.5cm. Width…14’’/ 35.5cm. Depth…10.75’’/ 27.5cm. Delivery by furniture carrier within the U.K. £32.

Height
32.5cm (12.80")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
27.5cm (10.83")
Date of Manufacture

John Howkins Antiques has dated this Victorian Oak Tantalus to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1157842
Dealers Internal Ref
23664
John Howkins Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2010
Dealer Profile

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

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An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 11
Archive I An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Tantalus

Archive II An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View II
Archive III An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View III
Archive IV An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View IV
Archive V An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View V
Archive VI An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VI
Archive VII An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VII
Archive VIII An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VIII
Archive IX An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View IX
Archive X An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View X
Archive XI An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View XI
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John Howkins Antiques
Telephone 01508 498335 or 07770 311 611
Location
The Grange
Hempnall Green
Norfolk
NR15 2NR
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified Since Sep 2010
Items For Sale 477
Items Sold 3,828
John Howkins Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Grange, Hempnall Green, Norfolk, NR15 2NR, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/jhowkins
Verified
Sep 2010
For Sale
477
Sold
3,828
An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers.
Victorian Tantalus
Ref: SA1157842
An antique wooden tantalus cabinet features heavy brass mounts and houses three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Boxes
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialOak, Brass, Cut Crystal
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsBrass corner brackets, Hinged locking mechanism, Faceted crystal stoppers, Diamond-cut glass panels
  • SizeH 32.5 cm (13 in) x W 35.5 cm (14 in) x D 27.5 cm (11 in)

FAQs

A tantalus is a locked drinks cabinet designed during the Victorian era to securely display decanters of spirits while preventing household staff or guests from helping themselves without authorisation, named after the mythical Greek figure Tantalus who was subjected to eternal frustration.

These items are traditionally constructed from dense hardwoods such as oak or mahogany, frequently reinforced with heavy cast brass mounts, corner brackets, and a functional locking mechanism that secures the stoppers in place.

Authenticity is generally determined by hand-cut crystal decanters matching the exact contours of the frame, period-appropriate brass locks with working keys, hand-dovetailed wooden joinery, and natural ageing patination on the timber and metal hardware.

This piece works effectively as a functional focal point on a sideboard or home bar, adding textural contrast and historic character to contemporary spaces through its combination of warm wood and reflective glass.

The timber should be maintained using microcrystalline wax to nourish the grain without leaving heavy residues, while the crystal decanters can be washed in warm water using a bottle brush, avoiding harsh abrasives on the brass mounts.
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