Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Why is it called a Tantalus?

1 Answer
Why is it called a Tantalus?
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
Shop for Betjemann Tantalus on 1stDibs
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
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING 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

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

Coromandel Jewellery Cabinet Betjemann & Sons (attributed)
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Northampton, GB
We firmly attribute the box to renowned box & tantalus makers Betjemann & Sons due to the woods used, quality and characteristics of the cabinet.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

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 dates to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwardian style. The carriage is com...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Barware

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Shop All