What is an edwardian oak tantalus?

An edwardian oak tantalus is a locking wooden drinks cabinet designed to hold and secure spirit decanters. These pieces use a metal bar mechanism over the glass stoppers to prevent unauthorised pouring.

How do you open a tantalus?

Opening requires the original key to unlock the side bracket or top bar, which then swings down to release the decanters. Without the key, the locking mechanism prevents the stoppers from being lifted from their slots.

Did they include games?

Many examples incorporate games compendiums alongside the bottles, featuring compartments for cards, dice, and counters. These combined pieces served as comprehensive entertaining units for the home.

How many bottles do they hold?

Most versions hold two or three glass decanters, usually designated for whiskey, gin, or brandy. The three-bottle arrangement is the most commonly encountered layout on this page.

Makers constructed these cabinets using oak, including blonde oak, golden oak, pollard oak, and medium oak. Brass and silver-plated metalwork provides structural support and security for the timber housing.

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An Edwardian oak tantalus is a locking drinks cabinet designed to secure whiskey and spirits from thirsty servants, combining security with hospitality.

Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

19th century

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Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

From Regent Antiques

£2,750

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cabinets

Circa 1900 Whiskey, Gin and Brandy Oak Barrels

1900 - 1920

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Circa 1900 Whiskey, Gin and Brandy Oak Barrels

From The Dorking Desk Shop

£1,150

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Edwardian Oak Tantalus

Antique Pollard Oak Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar Humidor 19th C

Circa 1900 Whiskey, Gin and Brandy Oak Barrels

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