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Antique Silver Mounted Burr Walnut 3 Crystal Decanter Tantalus Dry Bar 19th C

$3,430.54List Priceper set

About the Item

This is a superb antique Victorian sterling silver mouned, burr walnut cased three decanter tantalus, overlaid all over with sterling silver strap work and handles to each side, bearing hallmarks for the renowned silversmith Charles Boyton, London 1896. This magnificent tantalus features three wonderful hobnail cut square decanters with faceted ball stoppers and a mirrored back. The twin flap compartment in front revealing a delightful divisioned interior with three liquor glasses and a cut glass dish. There is a secret spring action drawer in the base, which can be opened by pressing the hidden push button in the centre. Used for storing games paraphernalia revealing playing cards, dice and a cribbage board with score markers. Complete with working Bramah lock and the original key. It is a truly decorative piece which is also very practical and would make a lovely gift. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 33.5 cm x Width 37 cm x Depth 29 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 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, 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. Walnut & Burr Walnut Walnut is a hard, dense, tight- grained wood that polishes to a very smooth finish. It is a popular and attractive wood whose colour ranges from near white in the sapwood to a dark hew in the heartwood. When dried in a kiln, walnut wood tends to develop a dull brown colour, but when air-dried can become a rich purplish-brown. Because of its colour, hardness and grain, it is a prized furniture and carving wood. Walnut veneer was highly priced and the cost would reflect the ‘fanciness’ of the veneer – the more decorative, then the more expensive and desirable. Burr walnut refers to the swirling figure present in nearly all walnut when cut and polished, and especially in the wood taken from the base of the tree where it joins the roots. However the true burr is a rare growth on the tree where hundreds of tiny branches have started to grow. Burr walnut produces some of the most complex and beautiful figuring you can find. 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. Our reference: A3710

Dimensions:
Height: 13.19 in (33.5 cm)Width: 14.57 in (37 cm)Depth: 11.42 in (29 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 12
Materials and Techniques:
Crystal,Sterling Silver,Walnut
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1896
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: A37101stDibs: LU950641077382

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