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ID #SA1239920
FOR SALE
£295
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Edwardian Oak and Silver Plated Three Bottle Tantalus Decanter
For sale by Wessex Antique Bedsteads
for sale €345     $375
£295

Wessex Antique Bedsteads

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2017
Browse dealers 145 items
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Id #SA1239920
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Edwardian Oak and Silver Plated Three Bottle Tantalus Decanter

1900 - 1920
Description

Edwardian oak and silver plated three bottle tantalus decanter with cut glass decanters and unusual fold out locking mechanism.

Labeled Walker & Hall, Sheffield, the only “hold fast” patent.

Height: 13" – Depth: 6 1/2" – Width: 15 1/2"

Physical Dimensions
Height
33cm (12.99")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Declaration

Wessex Antique Bedsteads has dated this Oak Three Bottle Tantalus to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239920
Dealers Internal Reference
19122
Description
Edwardian oak and silver plated three bottle tantalus decanter with cut glass decanters and unusual fold out locking mechanism.

Labeled Walker & Hall, Sheffield, the only “hold fast” patent.

Height: 13" – Depth: 6 1/2" – Width: 15 1/2"

Height
33cm (12.99")
Width
39cm (15.35")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Date of Manufacture

Wessex Antique Bedsteads has dated this Oak Three Bottle Tantalus to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239920
Dealers Internal Ref
19122
Wessex Antique Bedsteads
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2017
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wessex Antique Bedsteads Profile Page

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An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar.
1 / 3
Archive I An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar.

Edwardian Oak and Silver Plated Three Bottle Tantalus Decanter

Archive II An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar. View II
Archive III An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar. View III
Enlarged Archival View

Wessex Antique Bedsteads
Telephone 01935 829147
Location
The Old Glove Works
Percombe
Stoke Sub Hamdon
Somerset
TA14 6RD
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wessexbeds
Verified Since May 2017
Items For Sale 145
Wessex Antique Bedsteads
Verified Since May 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: The Old Glove Works, Percombe, Stoke Sub Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RD, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/wessexbeds
Verified
May 2017
For Sale
145
An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar.
Edwardian Oak and Silver Plated Three Bottle Tantalus Decanter
Ref: SA1239920
An Edwardian dark oak tantalus featuring three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers and silver-plated metal corner mounts, handle, and locking bar.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTantalus
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleEdwardian
  • MaterialOak, Silver Plate, Cut Glass
  • ColourDark Brown, Silver
  • MotifsCut crystal decanters, Silver-plated corner mounts, Overhead carrying handle, Lockable drop-front bar
  • SizeH 33 cm (13 in) x W 39 cm (15 in) x D 17 cm (7 in)

This Edwardian tantalus presents an oak and silver-plated framework housing three square cut-crystal decanters with round facet-cut stoppers. The dark brown timber construction incorporates silver-plated corner mounts, an overhead carrying handle, and a lockable drop-front bar secured by the Walker and Hall Sheffield hold-fast patent mechanism. The clear cut glass decanters display intricate geometric patterns and star-cut bases, complemented by the polished metallic hardware attached to the wooden base and uprights. Practical dimensions measure 33 cm high by 39 cm wide and 17 cm deep. Position this piece upon a dining room sideboard or a gentleman's library surface to serve spirits during gatherings. The lockable mechanism secures the bottles safely within the wooden enclosure while displaying the brilliant crystal decanters for daily appreciation or entertaining guests.

FAQs

An antique tantalus is a wooden or metal frame containing glass or crystal decanters, designed with a lockable mechanism that prevents the bottles from being opened without a key. Invented in the nineteenth century, the name derives from the Greek myth of Tantalus, as the liquid remains visible yet unattainable when locked.

Edwardian tantaluses were commonly constructed from solid hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, or walnut, combined with silver-plated or nickel-plated brass fittings. The housed decanters were typically crafted from hand-cut lead crystal featuring geometric or faceted patterns.

Authentic Edwardian examples feature period-correct joinery, natural aged patina on the wood, and hand-cut lead crystal decanters showing minor variations in dimensions. Original silver-plated mounts often bear makers marks or registration stamps alongside functional brass locking mechanisms.

A tantalus functions as a focal point when placed on a sideboard, drinks trolley, or within a home library setting. Pairing dark oak and polished silver elements alongside contemporary glassware creates a balanced contrast between historic craftsmanship and modern entertaining spaces.

Clean the wooden frame using a soft microfibre cloth and apply beeswax sparingly along the wood grain to preserve moisture. Clean the crystal decanters by hand using lukewarm water and mild detergent, avoiding abrasive chemical polishes on silver-plated fittings to prevent wear to the plating.
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