Antiques at Leeds

Description

A Fine Quality Heavy 3-Decanter Victorian Betjemann Oak Tantalus With Games Drawer and 2 additional compartments

Brass-mounted Golden Oak Tantalus with Betjeman patented locking mechanism with key, in full working order. A little cosmetic age wear to brass-plated locking bar, commensurate with age and use Front multi-compartment games drawer and front and rear tilt-lidded compartments which may have held additional games items or glasses.

3 heavy cut glass decanters in good antique condition. No damage to necks. Minor nibble to base of 1 and few nibbles to the bottoms of each stopper as is usual (Photos available on request). The decanters sit in original blue velvet lined compartments.

The Betjemann tantalus was invented by George Betjemann, grand-father of the noted English poet, Sir John Betjeman, in 1881. It was once thought that the Betjemann tantalus was designed in order to prevent a household’s butler from stealing or sampling the decanters’ contents. However, it is more likely that the ingenious Betjemann tantalus was just a novelty device that became popular with the affluent middle-class of the late-nineteenth century.

A lovely example which will display well in either a period or contemporary setting.

Base ~ 375mm x 275mm. Height ~ 390mm. Weight ~ 9kg!

Satisfaction Guarantee & Returns Policy.
Returns are accepted within 7 days. A full refund will be given provided the item is received in the same condition as when sold. Buyer is responsible for return postage/shipping costs, appropriate packaging and insurance.