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
Related Questions
- What do I keep in a tantalus?1 Answer
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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
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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
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
Antique 19th Century Victorian Solid Silver Tantalus Set, Betjemann's c.1897
By Betjemanns & Sons
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Victorian three-bottle tantalus features brass detailing and a locking mechanism stamped with "BETJEMANN'S PATENT 43014, LONDON."
Category
Antique 1880s British Other Barware
Materials
Silver, Brass
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
