Antique Tantalus
A tantalus is a small wooden open cabinet/case/box or metal frame used to store and secure 2, 3 or even 4 decanters.It appeared in the Mid 19th century and it's defining features were that they were open (for all to see) but had a lock and key. It was not possible to retrieve the decanter or indeed remove it's stopper. This was to stop unauthorised people from drinking the contents. It is believed Mr. John Betjemann patented a design for a wooden tantalus in 1881. The small compartment you see on some would have enclosed playing cards or counters.
Found 270 For Sale and Sold ( 69 for sale 201 sold )
£795
$992.56 €928.64
Antique Quality Oak Tantalus By Mappin & WebbLondon City Antiques
£350
$436.98 €408.84
Betjemanns Patent Locking Spirit / Whisky DecanterPuckerings Antiques
£669
$835.25 €781.46
Superb Victorian Oak Three Bottle TantalusSturmans Antiques Ltd
£595
$742.86 €695.02
Quality Antique Edwardian Mahogany TantalusUnique Antiques By Emma Jade
£495
$618.01 €578.21
Edwardian 1908 Oak And Silver Plated TantalusPaul Doran Antiques
£545
$680.43 €636.61
Lovely Quality Antique Edwardian Oak Tantalus Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
£290
$362.07 €338.75
Edwardian TantalusSalisbury Antiques Centre
£1250
$1560.63 €1460.13
Large 19th Century Coramandel TantalusMartlesham Antiques
£550
$686.68 €642.46
Tantalus, Circa 1890Frank Craig Antiques
£275
$343.34 €321.23
Lovely Edwardian Three Decanter TantalusThe Dorking Desk Shop
£2950
$3683.08 €3445.9
Black Forest “Cave De Liqueur” Elmgarden
£550
$686.68 €642.46
Triple Decanter Tantalus, Circa 1880Frank Craig Antiques
£575
$717.89 €671.66
Fantastic Victorian Cut Glass Decanters & Stand Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
£3850
$4806.73 €4497.19
French Serpentine Cave A Liqueur Or Tantalus BoxLoveday Antiques Ltd
£349
$435.73 €407.67
Victorian Oak 2 Bottle TantalusSturmans Antiques Ltd
£695
$867.71 €811.83
Late Victorian Polished Oak Three Bottle TantalusSturmans Antiques Ltd
£895
$1117.41 €1045.45
Circa 1890 Three Bottle Oak Games TantalusBuchanan And Laing (Prima Finds)
£495
$618.01 €578.21
Super Three Bottle Silver Plate TantalusFernyhough Antiques
£695
$867.71 €811.83
Tantalus Three Decanter’s In Oak CaseSovereign Antiques
£495
$618.01 €578.21
Super Oak Three Bottle TantalusFernyhough Antiques
£2200
$2746.7 €2569.82
Rare Antique Tantalus - Greyhound / Dog Handle Puckerings Antiques
£2600
$3246.1 €3037.06
Hukin And Heath Double Spirit Tantalus C.1900 Puckerings Antiques
£635
$792.8 €741.74
A Good Quality Oak ‘Betjemann’s’ Tantalus The Dorking Desk Shop
£790
$986.32 €922.8
A Very Unusual Plated Three Decanter Tantalus The Dorking Desk Shop
£1250
$1560.63 €1460.13
A Wonderful Brass Betjemann's 3 Decanter TantalusThe Dorking Desk Shop
£1295
$1616.81 €1512.69
Vintage Spirit Tantalus London Fine Antiques
£275
$343.34 €321.23
3 Bottle Tantalus Circa 1900Frank Craig Antiques
£650
$811.53 €759.27
19th Century 3 Bottle Silver Plate TantalusBuchanan And Laing (Prima Finds)