Questions & Answers
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Why is it called a Tantalus?
1 Answer
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Betjemann Tantalus on 1stDibs
Antique English Coromandel Tantalus by George Betjemann
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
The tantalus is a known model by George Betjemann and Sons, configured to house three square cut glass decanters beneath a secure locking frame.
Category
Antique 1890s English Victorian Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
English Victorian Tantalus by George Betjemann & Sons
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
Tantalus, the origin traces back to the 19th century in England when a German born cabinetmaker George Betjemann patented the Tantalus model in 1881 (UK Patent 58948).
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Rare Victorian Solid Amboyna Tantalus George Betjemann
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
The Tantalus from the original Betjemann design with a solid Amboyna body and spread plinth base.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Barware
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique English Tantalus by George Betjemann in Coromandel
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
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Unusual Model with Eight Fitted Glasses and Sterling Silver Mounted Decanters
From our Tantalus collection, we are pleased to offer this highly unusual and s...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Barware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Betjemann Lock Silver-Plated Hobnail Cut-Glass Spirit Decanter c.1890
Located in Nottingham, GB
Betjemann's patented mechanisms were incorporated into a variety of sophisticated domestic objects, including jewellery boxes, bookslides, inkwells, cigarette boxes and the celebrate...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
English Art Deco Twin Bottle Tantalus by George Betjemann
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
Each side of the Tantalus frame is signed ‘The Tantalus’ with GB&S in an oval cartouche and “Betjemann Patent London’.
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Barware
Materials
Metal
