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ID #SA1240631
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£560
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Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield
For sale by Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
for sale €655     $711
£560
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors

Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2011
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Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

19th century
Description

A good quality Victorian tantalus decanter set with silver plated frame and three beautifully etched glass decanters by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield. Each bottle has a fern, floral and foliate design and the silver frame has a swinging handle to the top, and it stands on ball feet.

The makers name is stamped underneath and there is a presentation inscription -

Presented to

W.H Floyd Esq

by officers of

East Coast District

December 1878

There is a small chip to the inside of one stopper. There is slight wear to the silver consistent with age. The silver has been cleaned and lacquered to prevent tarnishing.

Height - 36 cm (14 ¼ inches)

Width - 33 cm (13 inches)

Depth - 12 cm (4 ¾ inches)

Circa - 1870

George Shadford Lee & Henry Wigfull founded their business in 1871. They were silversmiths, electro-platers and manufacturers of cutlery.

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Delivery is free for most of the mainland UK. If you are interested in purchasing and are outside the UK mainland or in the Scottish Highlands please get in touch first for a shipping quote. If you are an overseas buyer please contact us with your address so we can provide you with an accurate shipping quote and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

This item will be delivered by a trustworthy carrier and we aim to deliver within two weeks of purchase, but please allow three weeks. We use smaller carrier companies which take a bit longer but we would rather your item arrives at your door safely. Like our small items, our larger items are packaged well and protected.

All of our items can be collected.

**************************************************

View more items on our website www.arrowsmithantiques.com

**************************************************

Physical Dimensions
Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors has dated this Victorian Silver Tantalus Set to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1240631
Dealers Notes

ABOUT - Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors has been established in Macclesfield, Cheshire for 35 years. We sell high quality antique furniture, clocks, lighting and decorative items ready for your home, to the general public and interior designers around the world from our showroom. Our stock inventory consists of decorative Continental, English and Oriental items ranging from the 18th century through to the 20th century.

PAYMENT - We accept BACS payment but we also accept debit and credit card and PayPal through our own website. All items come with an invoice with description and age.

Description
A good quality Victorian tantalus decanter set with silver plated frame and three beautifully etched glass decanters by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield.
“
Each bottle has a fern, floral and foliate design and the silver frame has a swinging handle to the top, and it stands on ball feet.
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
fig 1. A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
fig 1. Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

The makers name is stamped underneath and there is a presentation inscription -

Presented to

W.H Floyd Esq

by officers of

East Coast District

December 1878

There is a small chip to the inside of one stopper. There is slight wear to the silver consistent with age. The silver has been cleaned and lacquered to prevent tarnishing.

fig 2. A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
fig 2. Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

Height - 36 cm (14 ¼ inches)

Width - 33 cm (13 inches)

Depth - 12 cm (4 ¾ inches)

Circa - 1870

George Shadford Lee & Henry Wigfull founded their business in 1871. They were silversmiths, electro-platers and manufacturers of cutlery.

fig 3. A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
fig 3. Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

Delivery is free for most of the mainland UK. If you are interested in purchasing and are outside the UK mainland or in the Scottish Highlands please get in touch first for a shipping quote. If you are an overseas buyer please contact us with your address so we can provide you with an accurate shipping quote and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

fig 4. A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
fig 4. Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

This item will be delivered by a trustworthy carrier and we aim to deliver within two weeks of purchase, but please allow three weeks. We use smaller carrier companies which take a bit longer but we would rather your item arrives at your door safely. Like our small items, our larger items are packaged well and protected.

All of our items can be collected.

View more items on our website www.arrowsmithantiques.com

Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
33cm (12.99")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors has dated this Victorian Silver Tantalus Set to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1240631
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2011

Beautiful furniture, lighting, clocks & decorative items ready for your home

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors Profile Page

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A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
1 / 13
Archive I A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.

Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield

Archive II A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View II
Archive III A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View III
Archive IV A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View IV
Archive V A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View V
Archive VI A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View IX
Archive X A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View X
Archive XI A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers. View XIII
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Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors

Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Telephone 01625 611 880
Location
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Unit 7 - 8 Waterside Mill
Waterside
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 7HG
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/arrowsmith
Verified Since Oct 2011
Items For Sale 150
Items Sold 870
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors
Verified Since Oct 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors, Unit 7 - 8 Waterside Mill, Waterside, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 7HG
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/arrowsmith
Verified
Oct 2011
For Sale
150
Sold
870
A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
Victorian Silver Tantalus Decanter Set by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield
Ref: SA1240631
A Victorian silver-plated decanter stand with a central arched handle holding three etched glass decanters with stoppers.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecanter Sets
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialSilver Plate, Glass
  • ColourSilver, Clear
  • MotifsArched central handle, Ball feet, Etched glass decanters, Circular bottle cradles
  • SizeH 36 cm (14 in) x W 33 cm (13 in) x D 12 cm (5 in)

This Victorian silver-plated tantalus decanter set, made around 1870 by Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield, comprises a silver frame fitted with three clear glass decanters, stoppers, a swinging central arched handle, and ball feet. Each bottle features an etched fern, floral, and foliate design. The silver frame bears a stamped makers name and a presentation inscription dated December 1878, and has slight wear consistent with age, alongside a small chip to the inside of one stopper. The cleaned and lacquered silver frame holds the three matching bottles securely within circular bottle cradles on a flat base. Measuring 36 cm high, 33 cm wide, and 12 cm deep, this piece makes a striking addition to a gentleman's library or a dining room sideboard top, providing a practical and decorative container for spirits during entertaining.

FAQs

The tantalus was created in the 19th century as a locked security stand for decanters, allowing spirits to remain visible while preventing unauthorised access. Named after the mythical Greek figure Tantalus, it became a common fixture in Victorian dining rooms and gentlemans clubs.

Victorian decanter stands were typically constructed from electroplated nickel silver, sterling silver, or polished brass, often mounted on hardwood bases. The accompanying bottles were crafted from heavy lead crystal or blown glass featuring wheel-engraved or hand-cut pattern work.

Authentic pieces generally display manufacturer hallmarks or stamped makers marks on the base or rim, such as EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or specific maker initials. Genuine 19th-century glass decanters often show hand-ground stoppers tailored to individual bottle necks and natural base wear.

A decanter set works well positioned on a modern timber sideboard, marble bar cart, or tray in a dining room. Pairing reflective metallic frames and clear glass with modern minimalist surfaces provides a refined historical focal point.

Clean silver-plated metal frames using soft cotton cloths and non-abrasive silver polishes to protect the electroplated layer. Wash glass decanters internally with warm water, mild liquid detergent, and rice or specialized cleaning beads to remove residue without scratching.
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