What is a decanter tantalus?

A tantalus is a wooden cabinet or frame designed to hold spirit bottles, equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access to the contents while keeping them fully visible.

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

Traditional 19th-century tantalus sets feature hardwoods such as mahogany, rosewood, or satinwood with inlaid marquetry, mirrored interior backings, brass hardware, and hand-cut lead crystal decanters.

How can you identify an authentic antique tantalus?

Authentic period pieces display hand-cut glass decanters with fitted stoppers, cast brass handles, hand-laid timber marquetry, and original working locks and hinges.

How do you style an antique decanter tantalus in a modern interior?

Position the tantalus on a wooden sideboard, drinks cabinet, or executive desk to serve as a functional focal point within an entertaining or study space.

How should an antique wood and crystal tantalus be maintained?

Dust the timber casing regularly with a soft cloth, apply specialist furniture wax periodically, and hand-wash the crystal decanters using warm water and mild liquid detergent.

for sale €2,048 $2,223

£1,750

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19th Century Tantalus

Victorian Drinks Cabinet

Cut Crystal Decanter Set

Id #SA1210909

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Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

Name: Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1210909
Price: 1750 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This is a superb antique Victorian mahogany cased three decanter tantalus with decorative satin wood inlaid decoration and a secret games drawer, Circa 1890 in date.

It was skillfully crafted with beautiful marquetry fan inlaid decoration, stylish brass handles, and a Bramah locking system. There are three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers and a mirrored back. The twin lidded compartment in front of the ecanters contains two cut glass liquor glasses and gambling chips.

There is a secret spring-operated drawer below that can be accessed by pressing a hidden button in front of the decanters. It contains two packs of playing cards, dice, a set of 5 poker dice, and a silver plate cribbage board with score markers.

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

It is complete with the original working Bramah lock and key, which locks everything.

Condition:

In excellent condition, having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. As an antique item, the piece shows signs of use commensurate with age; these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy, as seen in the accompanying photographs, it displays beautifully.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 34 cm x Width 38 cm x Depth 29 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 11 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 hold 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.

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 byword 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 a 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: A5192

Physical Dimensions

Height

34cm (13.39")

Width

38cm (14.96")

Depth

29cm (11.42")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Antique Decanter Tantalus Box to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1210909

Dealers Internal Reference

A5192

Description

This is a superb antique Victorian mahogany cased three decanter tantalus with decorative satin wood inlaid decoration and a secret games drawer, Circa 1890 in date.

“

It was skillfully crafted with beautiful marquetry fan inlaid decoration, stylish brass handles, and a Bramah locking system.

Regent Antiques

There are three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers and a mirrored back. The twin lidded compartment in front of the ecanters contains two cut glass liquor glasses and gambling chips.

fig 1. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 1. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

There is a secret spring-operated drawer below that can be accessed by pressing a hidden button in front of the decanters. It contains two packs of playing cards, dice, a set of 5 poker dice, and a silver plate cribbage board with score markers.

fig 2. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 2. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

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

It is complete with the original working Bramah lock and key, which locks everything.

Condition:

In excellent condition, having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. As an antique item, the piece shows signs of use commensurate with age; these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy, as seen in the accompanying photographs, it displays beautifully.

fig 3. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 3. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 34 cm x Width 38 cm x Depth 29 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 11 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 hold 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 5. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 5. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 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.

fig 6. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 6. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

The 1800s saw our Victorian predecessors apply the King’s name to the lockable decanter.

Bramah

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

fig 7. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 7. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

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 8. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 8. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 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 byword 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 9. A 19th-century inlaid satinwood and mahogany tantalus containing three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers, a mirrored back interior, and a lower fold-out compartment with oval marquetry paterae. — fig 9. Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C

The Bramah lock was a 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: A5192