Antique Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th Century

This is a superb antique Victorian coromandel, brass mounted and cased three decanter tantalus and games compendium, Circa 1880 in date. It was skillfully crafted in rare coromandel with cut brass mounts, three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers, a mirrored back and a twin lidded compartment with a Bramah lock, opening to reveal a compartment containing five glasses. There is a secret base drawer with playing cards, cribbage board, dice and chips. It can be opened by pressing the disguised brass button which is just in front of the central decanter. It is a decorative piece which is also very practical, and would make a lovely gift. It is complete with the original working Bramah lock and key, which locks everything. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 33 cm x Width 38 cm x Depth 11 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 4 inches Coromandel wood or Calamander wood is a valuable wood from India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It is of a hazel-brown color, with black stripes (or the other way about), very heavy and hard. It is also known as Macassar Ebony or variegated ebony and is closely related to genuine ebony, but is obtained from different species in the same genus; one of these is Diospyros quaesita Thwaites, from Sri Lanka. The name Calamander comes from the local sinhalese name, 'kalu-medhiriya', which means dark chamber; referring to the characteristic ebony black wood. Coromandel wood has been logged to extinction over the last 2 to 3 hundred years and is no longer available for new work in any quantity. Furniture in coromandel is so expensive and so well looked after that even recycling it is an unlikely source. A substitute, Macassar Ebony, has similar characteristics and to the untrained eye is nearly the same but it lacks the depth of colour seen in genuine Coromandel. Bramah is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine. Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight. The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock...

This is a lovely attractive antique Victorian silver plated tantalus with three cut glass decanters and stoppers, circa 1860 in date. The three cut glass decanters are of unusual in shape and feature superb facet cut linear decoration with facet cut stoppers. The silver plated decanter holder has a central stem with a loop handle and the three decanters sit in circular wells. It is raised on three pierced scrolled supports and has exquisite engraved decoration in the manner of Elkington. The craftsmanship is second to none and this beautiful tantalus is sure to add an elegant touch to your next dining experience. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 41 x width 27 x depth 27 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 4 inches x width 11 inches x depth 11 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 elegant antique solid oak and silver plated three-barrel decanter set, circa 1880 in date. The oak trestle stand is formed as three coopered oak barrels with silver pla...

This is a wonderful Antique Victorian cut glass and silver plated claret jug, Circa 1870 in date The flared, diamond and prismatic cut glass body below a foliate chased mount, with...

This is a wonderful Antique Victorian silver plated claret jug, by the renowned Victorian silversmith and retailer Elkington & Co, and bearing their makers marks and date stamp for 1...

This is a fabulous antique Victorian games compendium and tantalus, circa 1880 in date. It consists of three cut crystal liquor bottles with stoppers, a pair of engraved shot glass...

English 19th century silver plate hand engraved, footed tantalus by Edwin Blyde and Company with three fine deeply cut glass large decanters with origin...

A Late Victorian Silver Tantalus with Three Cut Glass Decanters and Stoppers. The tantalus is marked Sheffield, 1896, Probably HARRISON BROTHERS & HOWSON...

Ornate floral silver plate tantalus set featuring 3 cut glass bottles with a stand that comes apart into 3 pieces for easy storage. The stand has 3 feet so that it stands proudly on ...

Step into the opulence of the 19th century with this exquisite 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket, which doubles as a Tantalus. Meticulously crafted, this piece marries form and function in a remarkable display of craftsmanship. The ice bucket's design is not only a testament to the era's sophistication but also a practical solution for keeping beverages chilled. It features a top that accommodates a resting decanter and a side compartment for holding a drinking glass, offering a complete and elegant beverage service...

A fine silver plate decanter tantalus with fine englaveing on both sides holding three elaborately cut decanters with most unusual four pour necks.

A truly magnificent three bottle decanter case made from silver plate and fully marked for the Sheffield silversmith's, Philip Ashberry & Sons, dating ...