How does an edwardian tantalus lock work?

A metal bar drops across the necks of the glass decanters, preventing the stoppers from being removed and the bottles from being lifted from the frame. Turning a key in the lock releases the bar, allowing the mechanism to swing open or lift clear of the glass.

Were these pieces used in the dining room?

These frames sat on sideboards or tables in dining rooms and studies during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Hosts kept spirits ready for guests while maintaining control over household consumption.

How do I care for the wood and metal?

Wood surfaces benefit from occasional applications of appropriate wax to nourish the grain and protect the finish against drying out. Silver plated components require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth to avoid removing the plating from the underlying metal.