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Victorian Briefcase Opening Tantalus by Hobbs
Sold by Sturmans Antiques
sold SA1123830
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Sturmans Antiques

Sturmans Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2012
Browse dealers 180 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in antique walnut & oak furniture, upholstered chairs, globes, boxes & tantaluses, clocks & barometers, old moorcroft & silver
  • Trade Associations
    Sturmans Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 
Id #SA1123830
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Victorian Briefcase Opening Tantalus by Hobbs

19th century
Sold 10 March 2025 · Sturmans Antiques
This “Victorian Briefcase Opening Tantalus by Hobbs” found a buyer.

It was listed by Sturmans Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

An unusual and top quality Victorian oak and silver plated 'briefcase' opening three bottle tantalus with original cut crystal decanters c.1890. Solid figured oak construction with tray at the base with three divisions to hold the decanters in place; matching figured oak shaped sides. Unusual silver plated briefcase section locking bar to the top which opens by key release and folds over each side of the oak frame to release the decanters. Complementing silver bindings and decorative framework to the case. The three original hobnail cut crystal decanters with matching stoppers in chip free condition (minor damage to the internal ends of the stoppers but not visible when in use). Bears the retailers name for London store Hobbs. Presented in excellent condition with perfect silver ware and a rich polish along with a working lock and key. A video of this item is available to view via our YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@sturmansantiques1428/shorts. Measures 13.75" wide x 5" deep x 11.5" high to top of handle.

Postage and packing cost (tracked and insured) for this item is £27.00 for mainland UK. Please contact us for delivery abroad.

Physical Dimensions
Height
29cm (11.42")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
12.5cm (4.92")
Declaration

Sturmans Antiques has dated this Victorian Tantalus Decanter Set to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1123830
Dealers Internal Reference
Stock number 40829
Dealers Notes

Our terms and conditions for purchases can be found under the 'Buying From Us' tab on our website: www.sturmansantiques.co.uk

MAINLAND UK SHIPPING

We offer a professional fully insured delivery service for larger items. Please contact us with your postcode for a door-to-door delivery quote for a specific item.

For clocks and barometers bought from us, we also offer a setting up service by our trained personnel (local deliveries only).

Smaller items are shipped by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes insurance for the item whilst in transit and a guaranteed tracked delivery.

Packing and postage charges for mainland UK are shown for most items on this website. Where an item is large or requires specialist delivery, please contact us with your postcode for a specific door-to-door delivery quote.

EUROPE AND WORLDWIDE

Through our trusted international shippers we will source the most competitive quote for delivery to your door. All items are wrapped and packed by the specialist shippers.

We are happy to make initial arrangements for worldwide shipments on your behalf. However, please note that the shipping payment is made by you the customer directly with the shippers. The shipping contract is therefore between you the customer and the shippers (not Sturmans Antiques). We therefore recommend that customers obtain adequate insurance for each item prior to shipment, to cover them in the event of any loss or damage in transit.

Please be aware that it is the customers responsibility to check with the shipping agent and/or relevant customs office regarding any import duties that may be due.

Description
An unusual and top quality Victorian oak and silver plated 'briefcase' opening three bottle tantalus with original cut crystal decanters c.1890.
“
Solid figured oak construction with tray at the base with three divisions to hold the decanters in place; matching figured oak shaped sides.
Sturmans Antiques

Unusual silver plated briefcase section locking bar to the top which opens by key release and folds over each side of the oak frame to release the decanters. Complementing silver bindings and decorative framework to the case. The three original hobnail cut crystal decanters with matching stoppers in chip free condition (minor damage to the internal ends of the stoppers but not visible when in use). Bears the retailers name for London store Hobbs. Presented in excellent condition with perfect silver ware and a rich polish along with a working lock and key. A video of this item is available to view via our YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@sturmansantiques1428/shorts. Measures 13.75" wide x 5" deep x 11.5" high to top of handle.

Postage and packing cost (tracked and insured) for this item is £27.00 for mainland UK. Please contact us for delivery abroad.

Height
29cm (11.42")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
12.5cm (4.92")
Date of Manufacture

Sturmans Antiques has dated this Victorian Tantalus Decanter Set to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1123830
Dealers Internal Ref
Stock number 40829
Sturmans Antiques
Sturmans Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2012

Specialists in antique walnut & oak furniture, upholstered chairs, globes, boxes & tantaluses, clocks & barometers, old moorcroft & silver

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sturmans Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Sturmans Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 

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A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Victorian Briefcase Opening Tantalus by Hobbs

Archive II A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View II
Archive III A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View III
Archive IV A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View IV
Archive V A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View V
Archive VI A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View IX
Archive X A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Sturmans Antiques Ltd
Main Street
Hawes
North Yorkshire
DL8 3QW
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2012
Items For Sale 180
Items Sold 10,946
Sturmans Antiques
Sturmans Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Sturmans Antiques Ltd, Main Street, Hawes, North Yorkshire, DL8 3QW, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2012
For Sale
180
Sold
10,946
A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers.
Victorian Briefcase Opening Tantalus by Hobbs
Ref: SA1123830
A Victorian oak and silver-plated briefcase opening tantalus holding three cut crystal decanters with faceted stoppers.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectBarware
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialOak, Silver-plated brass, Cut crystal
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsBriefcase opening mechanism, Cut crystal diamond pattern, Faceted ball stoppers, Silver-plated metalwork
  • SizeH 29 cm (11 in) x W 35 cm (14 in) x D 12.5 cm (5 in)

A tantalus is a locking drink cabinet designed in the Victorian era to securely display decanters of spirits while preventing unauthorized access by servants or guests. The locking mechanism typically secures a metal bar over the stoppers, preventing the decanters from being removed until the lock is released with a key.

Traditional tantalus sets feature a solid wood base, often oak or mahogany, fitted with silver-plated or nickel-plated brass hardware and mechanisms. The accompanying decanters are typically heavy-lead cut crystal with matching stoppers, manufactured using traditional glass-blowing and hand-cutting techniques.

Authentic pieces often feature maker marks or patent stamps from renowned manufacturers such as Hobbs or Betjemann on the metalwork. Genuine examples exhibit period-appropriate joinery, patination on the timber, hand-cut crystal irregularities, and working brass locks with original keys.

A tantalus makes a sophisticated addition to a home bar, sideboard, or study, pairing well with dark wood surfaces and metallic accents. It provides both a functional serving piece and a historical focal point for entertaining spaces.

Clean the wooden base using a soft cloth and micro-crystalline wax to nourish the grain without damaging the finish. Wash the crystal decanters by hand with warm water and mild detergent, avoiding harsh abrasives that could scratch the glass or wear down the silver plating.
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