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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1212664
FOR SALE
£875
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A Spectacular Tantalus
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
for sale €1,024     $1,111
£875
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2012
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Id #SA1212664
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A Spectacular Tantalus

19th century
Description

BETJEMANN: the finest-quality TANTALUS we have ever stocked! This beautiful, large and impressive example which is signed by the inventor and maker, features a mahogany frame which is profusely inlaid with satinwood and boxwood flowers; leaves and scrolls, to both the outside and inside, whilst the decanter “wells” are lined with satinwood. It is complete with its original set of three large cut-glass decanters, with numbered stoppers that match numbers engraved into the decanter necks. Superb condition with no cracks or chips. A very special example; truly the “Rolls Royce” of tantaluses.

*The name Tantalus is derived from the Greek mythological figure Tantalus, who was condemned to suffer eternal thirst and hunger whilst standing in water underneath a tree laden with fruit. Hence the word: to “tantalise”….you can see the contents of the decanters within the tantalus frame, but when it is locked, you cannot not imbibe!

** This very special tantalus is not on view in the shop; for further details please call 07860 818212, or e-mail: kerry@quietstreetantiques.co.uk

Physical Dimensions
Height
34cm (13.39")
Width
42cm (16.54")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Three Bottle Crystal Tantalus to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1212664
Dealers Internal Reference
5500/k
Dealers Notes

Shop Open: 10.00am - 6.00pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)

Description
BETJEMANN: the finest-quality TANTALUS we have ever stocked! This beautiful, large and impressive example which is signed by the inventor and maker, features a mahogany frame which is profusely inlaid with satinwood and boxwood flowers; leaves and scrolls, to both the outside and inside, whilst the decanter “wells” are lined with satinwood.
“
It is complete with its original set of three large cut-glass decanters, with numbered stoppers that match numbers engraved into the decanter necks.
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Superb condition with no cracks or chips. A very special example; truly the “Rolls Royce” of tantaluses.

fig 1. A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle.
fig 1. A Spectacular Tantalus

The name Tantalus is derived from the Greek mythological figure Tantalus, who was condemned to suffer eternal thirst and hunger whilst standing in water underneath a tree laden with fruit. Hence the word: to “tantalise”….you can see the contents of the decanters within the tantalus frame, but when it is locked, you cannot not imbibe!

This very special tantalus is not on view in the shop; for further details please call 07860 818212, or e-mail: kerry@quietstreetantiques.co.uk

Height
34cm (13.39")
Width
42cm (16.54")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Date of Manufacture

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this Three Bottle Crystal Tantalus to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1212664
Dealers Internal Ref
5500/k
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2012

Fine antiques at sensible prices

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Quiet Street Antiques of Bath Profile Page

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A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle.
1 / 5
Archive I A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle.

A SPECTACULAR TANTALUS

Archive II A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle. View II
Archive III A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle. View III
Archive IV A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle. View IV
Archive V A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle. View V
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Enlarged Archival View
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Telephone 01225 315 727 or 07493 889 573
Location
Quiet Street Antiques
3 Quiet Street
Bath
BA1 2JS
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified Since Apr 2012
Items For Sale 149
Items Sold 2,505
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Quiet Street Antiques of Bath
Verified Since Apr 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Quiet Street Antiques, 3 Quiet Street, Bath, BA1 2JS , United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/quietstreetbath
Verified
Apr 2012
For Sale
149
Sold
2,505
A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle.
A SPECTACULAR TANTALUS
Ref: SA1212664
A Victorian three-bottle cut crystal decanter tantalus housed in a dark wooden frame with floral marquetry inlay and a silver-toned metal locking top handle.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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FAQs

A tantalus is a small wooden cabinet or metal frame containing glass decanters, featuring a lockable top bar to secure spirits while keeping them visible. Popularised in the late nineteenth century, the design takes its name from the Greek myth of Tantalus.

Antique tantaluses typically combine heavy cut crystal or lead glass decanters with a frame constructed from fine hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or oak, often finished with silver-plated or brass mountings and decorative marquetry inlay.

Authentic period pieces feature hand-cut crystal decanters with original fitted stoppers, functional mechanical lock mechanisms, and high-quality cabinetmaking joinery with hand-finished wood inlay or brass mounts.

Display the tantalus on a sideboard, drinks trolley, or gentlemans library bookcase to add historical character, pairing it with sleek modern glassware to balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Clean the wooden frame with a soft cloth and beeswax polish, while hand-washing the crystal decanters with warm water and mild detergent, ensuring they are dried thoroughly to prevent mineral deposits.
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