A tantalus is a locking wooden or metal frame designed to hold decanters securely while displaying the spirits inside. The locking mechanism prevents guests or servants from accessing the contents without the key. First patented during the Victorian period, these units became popular additions to dining rooms, studies, and drawing rooms for after-dinner entertaining.

How do I date a silver mounted decanter set?

Dating relies primarily on silver hallmarks stamped onto the metal mounts, which indicate the assay office, maker, and exact year of production. Stylistic clues in the woodwork, such as blonde oak or coromandel veneers, and the cut of the glass also help narrow down the period. Most surviving pieces originate from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with some extending into the nineteen-thirties and mid-century decades.

Are the decanters removable?

In a standard decanter set or open stand, the bottles lift out freely for pouring. In a tantalus, the bottles remain locked in place until a key is turned to release the retaining bar. Once unlocked, the bottles slide or tilt out of the frame for serving.

What are games compendiums doing in these sets?

Victorian and Edwardian manufacturers frequently combined social drinking accessories with entertainment by housing card decks, game boards, and counters beneath the decanter section. This multi-functional design suited the drawing room and smoking room culture of the late nineteenth century. The resulting oak cabinets served as both a dry bar and a self-contained entertainment centre for guests.

Search 0

24,821 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 32 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN DEALER LOGIN

Saved

Silver Mounted Decanter Set

32 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Silver Mounted Decanter Set

20 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

These silver mounted decanter set pieces combine cut glass vessels with secure metal mounts for entertaining, offering a tangible link to period dining traditions.

Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus C.1900

1900 - 1920

Save

Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus C.1900

From Puckerings

£2,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

1920 - 1940

Save

Moser Glass & 800 Silver Liqueur Decanter and Six Shot Glasses

From Puckerings

£950

3+ MONTHS AGO

glass

1920 - 1940

Save

Oak Tantalus Circa 1930

From Frank Craig Antiques

£450

3+ MONTHS AGO

glass

1940 - 1960

Save

A Superb Pair Mappin & Webb Mid Century Silver Mounted Glass Spirit Decanters.

From Bushells Antiques

£750

3+ MONTHS AGO

silver

← 1 2 →

65,851

Antiques For Sale

Antiques Approved Today

2,913

Antique Uploads This Month

439,865

Total Antiques Sold

Silver Mounted Decanter Set

Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus C.1900

Moser Glass & 800 Silver Liqueur Decanter and Six Shot Glasses

Oak Tantalus Circa 1930

A Superb Pair Mappin & Webb Mid Century Silver Mounted Glass Spirit Decanters.

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories