Skip to main content

Video Loading

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Antique Victorian Three Bottle Tantalus Games Compendium 19th Century

$2,556.77List Price

About the Item

This is a fabulous antique Victorian games compendium and tantalus, circa 1880 in date. It consists of three cut crystal liquor bottles with stoppers with a pair of port glasses, and a pair of sherry glasses in the underside of the lid, a gold plated pair of coasters, a gold plated tray all housed in a magnificent mahogany casket. There is a secret sprung drawer that pops out when you press the small brass button hidden behind the central decanter, it contains two packs of playing cards and a pair of dice and the markers for the cribbage board. Above the drawer there is a brass cribbage score board, with inlaid decoration on mahogany on the reverse. The fold down section is fitted with a useful gold plated serving tray above a drawer containing more playing cards. It is fitted with the original working high quality Bramah lock complete with key. THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR THE MAHOGANY THAT THIS ITEM IS MADE OF IS SWIETENIA MACROPHYLLA AND THIS TYPE OF MAHOGANY IS NOT SUBJECT TO CITES REGULATION AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RESTRICTED MATERIALS. Condition: In really excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 37 cm x Width 41 cm x Depth 30 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot 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, Tantalus, mortal son of Zeus and Pluto. To be tantalized is to be tempted with the unattainable, and the king was sorely tested. He was condemned to an eternity in Hades for angering the Gods and was forced to stand forever in water that, when he bent to drink, would recede and to gaze upon foods he could only reach for and never grasp. The 1800s saw our Victorian predecessors apply the King’s name to the lockable decanter. 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 and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture Mahogany is probably one of the largest ‘families’ of hardwood, having many different varieties within its own species. Mahogany has been used for centuries in ship building, house building, furniture making etc and is the core structure of just about every 19th century vanity box, dressing case or jewellery box. It became more of a Victorian trend to dress Mahogany with these decorative veneers, such as Rosewood, Kingwood, Burr Walnut and Coromandel, so that the actual Mahogany was almost hidden from view. Mahogany itself is a rich reddish brown wood that can range from being plain in appearance to something that is so vibrant, figured and almost three dimensional in effect. Although Mahogany was most often used in its solid form, it also provided some beautifully figured varieties of veneer like ‘Flame’ Mahogany and ‘Fiddleback’ Mahogany (named after its preferred use in the manufacture of fine musical instruments). Cuban Mahogany was so sought after, that by the late 1850′s, this particular variety became all but extinct. Our reference: A3874

Dimensions:
Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Width: 16.15 in (41 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
Style:
Victorian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Crystal,Gold Plate,Mahogany
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: A38741stDibs: LU950642229202

You May Also Like

19th Century Victorian Walnut Games Compendium, Cards Board Games, C.1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique late-19th century Victorian walnut cased games compendium, the interior comprising a chess set, draughts, dominoes, dice, cribbage board with markers, leather bound boards for games, playing cards, droughts counters, a dice shaker...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Games

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Victorian Walnut Games Compendium, Cards
Board Games, C.1890

19th Century Victorian Walnut Games Compendium, Cards Board Games, C.1890

$5,720

Free Shipping

H 7.09 in W 13 in D 8.27 in

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set

Located in Mérida, YU

Very rare French 19th Century Ormolu Tantalus-Liquor Set in the shape of a globe. The Crystal Globe is made on a extraordinary pattern. Comes with 3 hand cut Crystal bottles and 6 g...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set

$12,400 Sale Price

20% Off

H 19.69 in W 9.65 in D 9.65 in

19th Century English Victorian Letter Holder

Located in Forney, TX

An English Victorian black and gilt decorated mother-of-pearl and papier mâché stationary letter / card holder or desk stand with stunning, exceptionally executed city scape hand painting portrait. Born in the mid 19th century, hand-crafted of ebonized lacquered papier mâché then elaborately decorated, polychromed, hand painting, mother-of-pearl inlays and gold leaf floral foliate scroll motif decoration, high styling with circular border framing the finely hand painted central pastel colored city scape scene. Dimensions (approx): 8.25" H, 9.75" W, 3.25" D Provenance: Acquired from the estate of the late T. Boone Pickens (1928-2019). An American business magnate, billionaire, financier, and philanthropist. Acquisition: J. Garrett Auctioneers had the pleasure of presenting Pickens' collection of 18th and 19th Century furnishings and accessories. This piece comes from the iconic Texas and Oklahoma...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Other

19th Century English Victorian Letter Holder

19th Century English Victorian Letter Holder

$1,125

H 8.25 in W 9.75 in D 3.25 in

Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique dark birds eye maple writing slope with brass M monogram plate on top with green felt lining and multiple interior storage compartments finishe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Felt, Birdseye Maple, Ebony

Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box

Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box

$245 Sale Price

30% Off

H 4.75 in W 13 in D 9 in

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron "Lion" Inkwell

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Figural lion inkwell boasting original paint with hinged lion's head concealing the well, circa late 1800s Patina / paint loss consistent with age / use.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Iron

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron "Lion" Inkwell

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron "Lion" Inkwell

$550

H 4.5 in W 10.5 in D 8.5 in

19th Century Crystal Apothecary Bottle with Stopper

Located in Marbella, ES

19th century Crystal Apothecary bottle with stopper.

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Bottles

Materials

Glass

19th Century Crystal Apothecary Bottle with Stopper

19th Century Crystal Apothecary Bottle with Stopper

$1,437

H 11.82 in Dm 4.73 in

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

19th century Victorian lignum vitae inkwell modelled as the head of a growling bulldog with realistic glass inset eyes, original leather collar with a copper buckle. The head is hing...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

$2,447

Free Shipping

H 3.94 in W 3.94 in D 2.76 in

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

19th century Victorian lignum vitae inkwell modelled as the head of a bulldog with realistic glass inset eyes, original leather collar with a copper push-button and a silver presenta...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860

$2,993

Free Shipping

H 4.34 in W 3.94 in D 3.15 in

Antique Victorian Brass Bells in Shape of Ladies, 19th Century, Set of 2

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A couple of cast table bells in the shape of fashionable ladies. The little one showcases a Crinoline dress. They were both made in England during the ...

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Brass Bells in Shape of Ladies, 19th Century, Set of 2

Antique Victorian Brass Bells in Shape of Ladies, 19th Century, Set of 2

$437 / set

H 4.93 in Dm 3.15 in

19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Posy Holder

By Thomas William Dee

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver posy holder; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. T...

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Vases

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Posy Holder

19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Posy Holder

$3,068

H 4.5 in Dm 2.3 in

More From This Seller

Antique 3 Decanter Golden Oak Tantalus Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a superb antique Victorian golden oak cased three decanter tantalus with decorative cut brass gothic revival mounts and brass carry handles to the sides, circa 1880 in date. ...

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Dry Bars

Materials

Silver

Antique 3 Decanter Golden Oak Tantalus Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

Antique 3 Decanter Golden Oak Tantalus Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

$1,738

Antique Blonde Oak Tantalus 3 Decanter Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a superb antique Victorian golden oak cased three decanter tantalus with decorative silver plated cut brass gothic revival mounts and carry handles to the sides, circa 1880 i...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dry Bars

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate, Brass

Antique Blonde Oak Tantalus 3 Decanter Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

Antique Blonde Oak Tantalus 3 Decanter Dry Bar Games Compendium 19th Century

$1,874

Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Games 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a superb antique Victorian coromandel, ormolu mounted and cased three decanter tantalus and games compendium, circa 1870 in date. It was skilfully crafted in rare coromandel with a satinwood interior and ormolu mounts. The three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers, a mirrored back and compartmens containing four cut glass drinking glasses...

Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus
Games 19th Century

Antique Victoran Coromandel Three Crystal Decanter Tantalus Games 19th Century

$3,272

Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is a wonderful Derbyshire Ashford pietra dura obelisk, inlaid with lillies, circa 1880 in date. The obelisk is beautifully inlaid with a Pietra Dura of white flowers and malach...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite, Marble

Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century

$920

Antique Victorian Silver Plated 3 Bottle Tantalus by Hobbs Co 19th Century

Located in London, GB

An attractive Victorian English silver plate mounted oak three bottle tantalus set by Hobbs & Co circa 1870 in date. It features a unique 'Hold Fast' patented locking mechanism that slides across to release the decanters, complete with the original key, with three hand cut crystal decanters...

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Silver Plated 3 Bottle Tantalus by Hobbs
Co 19th Century

Antique Victorian Silver Plated 3 Bottle Tantalus by Hobbs Co 19th Century

$988

Antique Betjemann’s Coromandel Miniature 3 Bottle Tantalus 19th Century

By George Betjemann Sons

Located in London, GB

This is a superb antique Victorian coromandel and silver plated three decanter Betjemann’s patent action tantalus, Circa 1870 in date. The bottles each with hobnail cut decoration a...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

Antique Betjemann’s Coromandel Miniature 3 Bottle Tantalus 19th Century

Antique Betjemann’s Coromandel Miniature 3 Bottle Tantalus 19th Century

$1,874 / set

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed

More Ways To Browse

Antique Liquor Bottles

Antique Water Stand

Gold Plated Tray

Antique Port Glasses

Antique Cribbage Board

Antique Decanter Bottle Stopper

Antique Games Compendium

Antique Hand Pump

Antique Crystal Plate Set

Crystal Bottles Liquors

Desk Compendium

Antique Crystal Liquor Bottles

View All Popular Desk Sets Searches