Rare Tantalus by Betjemann with Secret Drawers

Name: Rare Tantalus by Betjemann with Secret Drawers
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA702908
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Description

An impressive and fine quality late Victorian walnut TANTALUS signed by the inventor/makers: “Betjemann Patent, LONDON”.

This unusual example, with its ornate “Gothic” style brass embellishments and cast brass handles, is complete with its original and large set of three cut-glass decanters, all of which are in mint condition and feature numbers which match the correct decanter with its unique stopper. What makes this rare, is the secret mechanism which locks two ornate brass mounted side compartments, each of which contain drawers perhaps for cigars, with a further vacant compartment underneath.

It is complete with its original Bramah key. When locked, not only is it impossible to access the decanters, but also none of the side compartments with their drawers can be used. 12ins wide; 15ins high to the top of the polished cast brass handle.

Physical Dimensions

Height

38cm (14.96")

Width

30.5cm (12.01")

Depth

26.5cm (10.43")

Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA702908

Dealers Internal Reference

5030/k

Dealers Notes

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

Description

An impressive and fine quality late Victorian walnut TANTALUS signed by the inventor/makers: “Betjemann Patent, LONDON”.

This unusual example, with its ornate “Gothic” style brass embellishments and cast brass handles, is complete with its original and large set of three cut-glass decanters, all of which are in mint condition and feature numbers which match the correct decanter with its unique stopper.

“

What makes this rare, is the secret mechanism which locks two ornate brass mounted side compartments, each of which contain drawers perhaps for cigars, with a further vacant compartment underneath.

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

fig 1. RARE TANTALUS BY BETJEMANN WITH SECRET DRAWERS — fig 1. Rare Tantalus by Betjemann with Secret Drawers

It is complete with its original Bramah key. When locked, not only is it impossible to access the decanters, but also none of the side compartments with their drawers can be used. 12ins wide; 15ins high to the top of the polished cast brass handle.