Skip to main content

The Tantalus

2
to
30
238
233
310
172
157
109
43
33
28
25
22
21
20
15
14
9
6
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
9
5
5
5
Sort By
Rare Art Nouveau Miniature Sized Onyx Tantalus by Betjemann & Sons
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
The Tantalus is of typical form however it is of rare miniature size measuring only 22cm high x
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Victorian Silver Tantalus Set with Three Cut Glass Decanters and Stoppers
By Harrison Brothers & George Howson 1
Located in New York, NY
A Late Victorian Silver Tantalus with Three Cut Glass Decanters and Stoppers. The tantalus is
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Sheffield Plate

Victorian Silver Tantalus with Three-Glass Decanters
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian silver Tantalus with three cut glass decanters and stoppers. The Tantalus is marked
Category

Antique 1890s English Barware

Materials

Silver

19th Century Pewter Tantalus
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a very handsome pewter Tantalus with gallery enclosing original matched glass decanters
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Other Barware

Materials

Pewter

19th Century Pewter Tantalus
19th Century Pewter Tantalus
H 12 in W 9 in D 4.5 in
Faux Book Tantalus Chest by Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Chicago, IL
First patented in England by the German cabinet maker George Betjemann in 1881, the tantalus
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Barware

Materials

Glass, Wood, Leather

Antique Elkington Silver Plated Tantalus with 3 Cut Crystal Liquor Decanters
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tantalus was made by the well known Elkington and Company of England and dates to
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Barware

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Art Deco Tantalus by Jaques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Northampton, GB
Chromium Plated Circa 1930 From our Tantalus collection, we are delighted to offer this Jacques
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Tantalus by Jaques Adnet
Art Deco Tantalus by Jaques Adnet
Free Shipping
H 9 in W 13.8 in D 4.3 in
Art Deco Tantalus Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Northampton, GB
Chromium Plated  From our Tantalus collection, we are pleased to offer this Jacques Adnet Tantalus
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Tantalus  Jacques Adnet
Art Deco Tantalus  Jacques Adnet
Free Shipping
H 10 in W 11.6 in D 5.1 in
Three Barrel Tantalus
Located in New Orleans, LA
This charming 19th-century English crystal and silverplate tantalus takes the form of three barrels
Category

Antique 19th Century English Barware

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Three Barrel Tantalus
Three Barrel Tantalus
H 14.5 in W 9.75 in D 14.75 in
Rolls Royce Musical Tantalus with the “Silver Sprit of Ecstasy” Mascot
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
1960s-1970s Rolls Royce musical tantalus with the “Silver Sprit of Ecstasy” Mascot by Charles Sykes
Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art More Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Antique Walker & Hall English Silver Plated Tantalus or Bottle Stand
By Walker & Hall
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated tantalus was made by the well known Walker & Hall of England in
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Edwardian English Silver Plated & Cut Crystal 3 Bottle Tantalus and Key
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This silver plated three bottle tantalus has no maker's marks, but is presumed to have originated
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Bottles

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Tantalus Two Decanter Art Deco Set with Wood Holder
Located in Oakland, CA
Tantalus two Decanter Art Deco set with wood holder is a beautiful and functional piece of barware
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Barware

Materials

Crystal

Art Deco Tantalus by Louis Prodhon
By Louis Prodhon
Located in New Orleans, LA
This French Art Deco coromandel and chrome-plated tantalus by Louis Prodhon allows one to enjoy the
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Tantalus by Louis Prodhon
Art Deco Tantalus by Louis Prodhon
H 11.5 in W 15.75 in D 5.25 in
Vintage Spirit Tantalus, Danish, Teak, Glass, Bar Caddy, Decanters, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage spirit Tantalus. A Danish, teak and glass bar caddy, dating to the mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Glass

Materials

Glass

Art Deco Tantalus with Three Blue Cut Glass Engraved Decanters lockable, French
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Tantalus with THREE blue glass engraved decanters from the Art Deco period
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Brass

Napoleonic Tantalus Liquor Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Presenting an exquisite antique French Tantalus liquor cabinet that transports you back to the
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Brass

Mid-19th Century French Leather Bound Book Box with Six Old Fashioned Glasses
Located in Dallas, TX
Posthume" by Gustave Flaubert. When you lift the top, the Tantalus reveals an interior with glass
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Barware

Materials

Leather, Glass

Antique Victorian Three Bottle Tantalus & Games Compendium 19th C
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulous antique Victorian games compendium and tantalus, circa 1880 in date. It
Category

Antique 1880s Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Whisk Cellar Called Tantalus From The 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
19th century whiskey cellar called tantalus in oak, composed of two square crystal bottles with
Category

Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Barware

Materials

Oak

French Bronze Tantalus
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French bronze tantalus, Circa 17870. This is the best way to have a little sip after
Category

Antique 1870s Barware

Materials

Brass

French Bronze Tantalus
French Bronze Tantalus
H 11 in W 13 in D 11 in
Quality antique Edwardian mahogany tantalus
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Edwardian mahogany tantalus having a quality antique Edwardian mahogany tantalus
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Glass

Materials

Glass

Quality antique Edwardian mahogany tantalus
Quality antique Edwardian mahogany tantalus
H 14.18 in W 15.36 in D 5.71 in
Whisk Cellar Called Tantalus From The 19th Century With Three Bottles
Located in Brussels, Brussels
19th century whiskey cellar called tantalus in oak, composed of three square-shaped cut crystal
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Barware

Materials

Oak

Large 19th Century coramandel Tantalus
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality 19th Century three decanter Tantalus by “C.R.Christie, Edinburgh” having a
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Glass

Materials

Cut Glass

Large 19th Century coramandel Tantalus
Large 19th Century coramandel Tantalus
H 13 in W 16.5 in D 6.5 in
Tantalus Wine Cradle by Hukin & Heath in the Christopher Dresser Style
By Hukin & Heath, Christopher Dresser
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Aesthetic Movement silver plate Tantalus Wine Cradle (1834-1904) made by Hukin & Heath, Birmingham
Category

Antique 19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

1970s Tantalus or Cordial Set
Located in New York City, NY
Unique and complete tantalus/ cordial set comprising four shot glasses and a matching decanter
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Steel

1970s Tantalus or Cordial Set
1970s Tantalus or Cordial Set
H 11.5 in W 8.25 in D 8.5 in
Antique English Tantalus / Games Set
Located in Forney, TX
An elegant antique English Late Victorian / Edwardian Tantalus and Games set. Hand-crafted in
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Barware

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Antique English Tantalus / Games Set
Antique English Tantalus / Games Set
H 13 in W 14.5 in D 10.5 in
19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set
Located in Mérida, YU
Very rare French 19th Century Ormolu Tantalus-Liquor Set in the shape of a globe. The Crystal Globe
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set
19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set
H 19.69 in W 9.65 in D 9.65 in
Lovely quality antique Edwardian oak tantalus
Located in Ipswich, GB
Lovely quality antique Edwardian oak tantalus having three quality cut glass decanters with the
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Glass

Materials

Glass, Oak

Lovely quality antique Edwardian oak tantalus
Lovely quality antique Edwardian oak tantalus
H 11.82 in W 14.38 in D 5.52 in
French Leather Stack Of Books Tantalus
Located in Tampa, FL
A vintage Napoleon the third style liquor set. The all leather tantalus is in the form of stacked
Category

Antique 1890s French Barware

Materials

Leather, Glass

French Leather Stack Of Books Tantalus
French Leather Stack Of Books Tantalus
H 5.5 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in
Gilt Bronze Tantalus and Glassware Set
Located in New York, NY
Our ormolu bronze tantalus in the Louis XV/XVI style includes three original decanters with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Tableware

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze Tantalus and Glassware Set
Gilt Bronze Tantalus and Glassware Set
H 14.5 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
Beautiful Antique English Oak Decanter Tantalus
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A very special three bottle crystal decanter tantalus executed with brass mounts on an oak platform
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Barware

Materials

Brass

Tantalus, Diptych. Limited edition color photograph.
By Michael James O’Brien
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Tantalus (Diptych), 2020, by Michael James O’Brien Printed on Hahnemuhle fine art paper Image size
Category

2010s Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Victorian Silver Three Bottle Decanter Tantalus Set
Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB
Antique Silver Plate Tantalus A superb quality silver plated tantalus with three cut glass
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Crystal Serveware

Materials

Silver

Abalone Inlaid Burlwood Tantalus Chest, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
European, likely French, Abalone Inlaid Burlwood Tantalus Chest, the lid opening to reveal a gilt
Category

Antique 19th Century French Provincial Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Burl

Antique English Sterling Silver Mounted Tantalus
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very decorative with the grapes and vine motif.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Black Forest Carved Tantalus
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Heavily carved container with grape vines and grapes on sides and two game birds with strutting gobler as finial on top. Double hinged lids, two hinged side doors. Original key. Hold...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Barware

Materials

Wood

George III Mahogany and Satinwood Tantalus, 1790
Located in Stockton, NJ
A George III mahogany and satinwood marquetry inlaid tantalus, circa 1790. The rectangular
Category

Antique 1790s English George III Barware

Materials

Crystal

Tantalus Box of Stacked 19th Century Books
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large tantalus, hidden to appear as a stack of five books, its hinged lid opens to reveal the
Category

Antique 19th Century British Barware

Materials

Leather, Glass, Paper

Tantalus Box of Stacked 19th Century Books
Tantalus Box of Stacked 19th Century Books
H 16 in W 15.75 in D 10.25 in
Regency Burl Wood and Inlaid Liquor Tantalus
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Regency burl wood and inlaid liquor Tantalus case in a light burl wood with ebonized inlaid
Category

20th Century Barware

Materials

Wood

Antique Victorian Quality Oak Tantalus by Mappin & Webb
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality oak tantalus by Mappin & Webb having a quality oak tantalus with a brass
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Barware

Materials

Oak

Impressive Boulle Napoleonic Tantalus Liquor Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive Boulle Napoleonic Tantalus Bar Cabinet, 19th Century Very nice and decorative Boulle
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Barware

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Tantalus Set with Cut Crystal Decanters
Located in Oakland, CA
Elegant Art Deco tantalus stand and set. Two perfect cut-glass crystal decanters in an unusual
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Glass

Materials

Crystal

Art Deco Tantalus Set with 2 Geometric Etched Bottles
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco silver-mounted tantalus set wood marquetry custom case holder with the lock and handle
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique English Edwardian Two Bottle Walnut & Silver Plated Tantalus
By Betjemanns & Sons
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tantalus set was made by the well known Betjemmin's & Sons of London, England and
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Barware

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Jugendstil Tantalus Two Bottle Silver Plate Vintage Liquor Set
Located in Oakland, CA
Jugendstil Tantalus Two Bottle silver-plate vintage liquor set. This elegant set was recently
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Jugendstil Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus, c.1900
By Hukin & Heath
Located in Bath, GB
A Silver plated frame with a beautiful pair of Edwardian hand-cut glass decanters with cut-glass stoppers. Once unlocked the handle can be lifted and swivelled to access the deca...
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus, c.1900
Hukin and Heath Double Spirit Tantalus, c.1900
Free Shipping
H 9.5 in W 11.5 in D 4 in
19th Century Victorian Silver Plated & Coromandel Tantalus, c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th Century Victorian silver plated mounted on coromandel tantalus, the interior
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Glass

Materials

Silver

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket / Tantalus
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Silver Plate Ice Bucket, which doubles as a Tantalus. Meticulously crafted, this piece marries form and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Victorian Oak and Silver Metal Tantalus with Crystal Decanters
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Original antique Victorian oak and silver metal tantalus with three crystal decanters. Comes with
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Crystal Serveware

Materials

Silver

19th Century French Colonial Glass Cave à Liqueur Tantalus
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A fabulous French 19th century colonial, ormolu and bevelled glass cave à liqueur. The decorative case has bevelled glass panels on all sides and top, raised on 4 legs with sculpture...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Glass

Materials

Metal

Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860
Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Glass

Materials

Glass

Antique Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games Drawer 19th C
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique Victorian coromandel, brass mounted and cased three decanter tantalus and
Category

Antique 1880s Late Victorian Crystal Serveware

Materials

Brass

English Crystal Tantalus in Locked Wooden Case by Rodolfo Eisler
Located in Oakland, CA
A 1920s Tantalus with crystal decanters, a rich wooden case trimmed in nickel with lock and key
Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Barware

Materials

Crystal, Nickel

Two Victorian English Pottery Decanters in Tantalus-Inspired Wicker Basket
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two English pottery decanters in a tantalus inspired wicker basket from the mid 19th century. Born
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Wicker

French Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Tiered Liquor 'Tantalus' Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Gilt Bronze and cut-Glass Tiered Liquor (Tantalus) Set late 19th century, perhaps Baccarat
Category

20th Century Barware

Materials

Glass

19th Century French Silver Plated & Glass Tantalus Set, c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th century French four bottle Tantalus, clear glass applied with silver plated
Category

Antique 19th Century French Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century French Silver Plated & Glass Tantalus Set, c.1880
19th Century French Silver Plated & Glass Tantalus Set, c.1880
Free Shipping
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Vintage Locking Spirit Tantalus, English, Two Decanter Stand, Hallmarked Silver
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage locking spirit Tantalus. An English, mahogany two decanter stand with hallmarked
Category

Late 20th Century British Pitchers

Materials

Glass

Antique Silverplate Floral Tantalus Set with Cut Glass Decanter Bottles
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ornate floral silver plate tantalus set featuring 3 cut glass bottles with a stand that comes apart
Category

Early 20th Century Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Partner's Oak and Silver Plate Tantalus / Decanters Dated 1885
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual and very smart tantalus or decanter stand made from solid English oak and silver
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Barware

Materials

Silver Plate

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "The Tantalus", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

The Tantalus For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the the tantalus you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, glass and wood, every the tantalus was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer the tantalus, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A the tantalus, designed in the Victorian, Art Deco or Georgian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made the tantalus over the years, but those crafted by Baccarat, Black Forest and Hukin and Heath are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a The Tantalus?

Prices for a the tantalus can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $416 and can go as high as $55,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,500.

Finding the Right dining-entertaining for You

Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?

Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.

Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.

Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.

“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate & Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”

Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.

At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.

Questions About The Tantalus
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A tantalus holds one or more decanters. Tantalus’s may have an open design or a closed box design. More extravagant pieces may be as large as full-sized furniture pieces and require a lock and key to access. Browse a selection of tantalus pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The tantalus was patented in 1881 by George Betjemann, a cabinet maker from Germany. Named after the Greek mythological character, Tantalus, the decor item is designed to hold one or more decanters. You’ll find a selection of tantalus pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The name ‘Tantalus’ is a reference to the character in Greek mythology. A tantalus in furniture is a small wooden cabinet, with two or three decanters and complete with a lock and a key. Shop a collection of Tantalus pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A Tantalus Decanter is a wooden container with a lock and key for glass decanters. The basic framework of the piece, first patented in 1881 by George Betjemann, permits two, three, and sometimes four decanters to be secured within it, visible yet inaccessible when locked. The decanters cannot be unstopped or removed once they have been fastened within the tantalus. Find a range of antique tantalus decanters on 1stDibs.

Read More

How the Chunky, Funky Ceramics of 5 Mid-Century American Artists Balanced Out Slick Modernism

Get to know the innovators behind the pottery countercultural revolution.

Ready for a Cinderella Moment? This Glass Handbag Is a Perfect Fit

Glass slippers might be the stuff of fairytales, but glass handbags? Artist Joshua Raiffe has made them a reality, and they're far less delicate than you might imagine, but just as dreamy.

With Dansk, Jens Quistgaard Delivered Danish Simplicity to American Tables

When a visionary Copenhagen designer teamed up with an enterprising Long Island couple, Scandi-style magic landed in kitchens and dining rooms across the United States.

Hostess Extraordinaire Aerin Lauder Shares Entertaining Tips and Auction Picks

The arbiter of good taste, who has curated a collection for 1stDibs Auctions, invites 1stDibs inside her family’s Hamptons barn for a firsthand look at her welcoming style.

Handmade with Lab-Grade Glass, This Decanter Holds Your Favorite Cocktail Concoctions

Artist Simone Crestani conjures the fascination you remember from Chemistry 101.

28 Cheerful Home Bars, Where Everybody (Literally) Knows Your Name

Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.

Meet the Celebrated Hostess Whose Magical Tabletops Enhance Every Occasion

For Stephanie Booth Shafran, entertaining guests is about opening her heart as well as her home.

How to Identify Real Capodimonte Porcelain

Early examples by the Italian manufacturer can be hard to come by, but the best later pieces possess the same over-the-top charm.