An Antique Oak Tantalus Games Compendium

19th century

Sold by Village Vintage

Description

This fine English antique oak tantalus games compendium combines superior craftsmanship with practical design. Cabinetmakers constructed this substantial and impressively heavy piece from quarter-cut solid oak panels, ensuring strength and beautiful grain throughout. They bound the case in richly decorative solid brass fittings, adding both security and visual appeal.

Inside, three original square-cut glass decanters with matching stoppers sit within a mirror-backed, green baize-lined compartment, accessible only by unlocking and lifting the key-operated front panels. The cleverly designed interior also provides dedicated compartments for glasses, playing cards, and bar accessories, making this an ideal antique drinks cabinet and gaming set.

A discreet hidden button releases the lower drawer, revealing two cribbage boards and a plush velvet-lined interior, completing this versatile antique oak tantalus and games box. Handsome, functional, and richly detailed, this exceptional piece makes a stylish addition to both period interiors and contemporary homes, appealing equally to collectors of antique barware, Victorian games compendiums, and gentleman’s accessories.

Condition Report:

Very original, solid, original key, decanters, fittings. Usual wear to baize around decanters, chips to all decanter stoppers

Physical Dimensions

Height

33cm (12.99")

Width

37cm (14.57")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

Village Vintage has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1199278

Description

This fine English antique oak tantalus games compendium combines superior craftsmanship with practical design.

“

Cabinetmakers constructed this substantial and impressively heavy piece from quarter-cut solid oak panels, ensuring strength and beautiful grain throughout.

Village Vintage

They bound the case in richly decorative solid brass fittings, adding both security and visual appeal.

fig 1. An Antique Oak Tantalus Games Compendium

Inside, three original square-cut glass decanters with matching stoppers sit within a mirror-backed, green baize-lined compartment, accessible only by unlocking and lifting the key-operated front panels. The cleverly designed interior also provides dedicated compartments for glasses, playing cards, and bar accessories, making this an ideal antique drinks cabinet and gaming set.

fig 2. An Antique Oak Tantalus Games Compendium

A discreet hidden button releases the lower drawer, revealing two cribbage boards and a plush velvet-lined interior, completing this versatile antique oak tantalus and games box. Handsome, functional, and richly detailed, this exceptional piece makes a stylish addition to both period interiors and contemporary homes, appealing equally to collectors of antique barware, Victorian games compendiums, and gentleman’s accessories.

Condition Report:

Very original, solid, original key, decanters, fittings. Usual wear to baize around decanters, chips to all decanter stoppers