Antique French Burr Walnut & Ebonized Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, 19th Century

This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860 in date. It features brass inlaid decoration on the top and front with tulip wood banding. The hinged lid and the hinged sides open to reveal a lift-out stand fitted with four liquor decanters and stoppers and sixteen glasses. Complete with original working lock and key, it is an absolutely superb set which is sure to attract a lot of attention. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Complete with 14 original glasses and 2 that have been added later. Dimensions in cm: Height 41 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 23 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 9 inches Tantalus is a type of liquor decanter in which the bottle stoppers are locked down tightly by a metal bar. This was to prevent the theft of the contents by servants. Like the name suggests, the decanters themselves are visible, drawing temptation while unattainable. A key is required for entry. The most common types of tantalus holds three bottles or decanters while there are also smaller types housing only two. There are many different forms of tantalus. Often the encasement has metal handles on both sides and ornately carved decor. Crystal and metal versions are also a beautiful option when choosing a tantalus. Tantalus derived its name from the story of the mythological Greek king...

This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III Bacarrat ormolu and glass Cave a Liqueur, or tantalus, circa 1860 in date. The Cave a Liqueur features an ormolu case with glass panels and an 'up and over' lid enclosing a gilt bronze frame containing sixteen small glasses and four decanters with stoppers, on all on finely cast paw feet. One decanter with a Bacarrat label to the underside The glasses and decanters are beautifully engraved with geometric decoration. As seen in the upcoming Ridley Scott historical film Napoleon. It is an absolutely superb set which is sure to attract a lot of attention. Condition: In really excellent condition with no damage, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 29 x width 37 x depth 30 Dimensions in inches: Height 11 inches x width 1 foot, 3 inches x depth 1 foot Baccarat In 1764 King Louis XV of France gave permission to found a glassworks in the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region in eastern France to Prince Bishop Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval...

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