Victorian Silver Plated 3 Bottle Locking Tantalus C. 1880
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:8383 | Age: 1850-1899 |
| Style: Victorian | Product: Tantalus |
| Composition: Silver Plate |
Excellent Victorian Silver Plated 3 Bottle Locking Tantalus C.1880.
This is a great quality Silver Plated Tantalus of rectangular form, made during the Victorian period with subtle engraving along the top of both sides. It holds 3 original hobnail hand cut crystal decanters with star bases and 3 matching faceted stoppers.
The locking mechanism has the original key, which when turned makes the top panel raise on one side allowing the decanters to be released. When closed an...d locked the decanters cannot be removed, hence the name Tantalus, it will 'tantalise' anyone without the key, who can see the spirit in the bottles but cannot touch.
Please see pictures which form part of the description.
This tantalus is stamped with the maker's mark J S & S in a shield for John Sherwood & Sons with the Beaver mark, which was their trademark and the Crown mark, which copies the silver assay mark for Sheffield, where their factory Regent Works was located. It is also stamped PATENTED, which presumably refers to the locking mechanism.
The Tantalus measures: 14 inches (355mm) long x 5.5 inches (140mm) wide.The Decanters including Stoppers measure: 9.5 inches (230mm) tall x 3.5 inches (90mm) square
The condition is very good and the mechanism works perfectly with the original key. There is no damage but there are minor signs of wear although the silver plating is intact. The glass decanters are also in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks.
Dispatched Royal Mail 2nd Class - International Postage offered - Price varies depending on country - Please contact for your costs.
If you have any questions please let me know.
I have been buying on eBay for many years but have never sold anything before. I have now decided to reduce my inventory by selling some unusual items - please see my other listings (more to come soon....!)
This is a great quality Silver Plated Tantalus of rectangular form, made during the Victorian period with subtle engraving along the top of both sides. It holds 3 original hobnail hand cut crystal decanters with star bases and 3 matching faceted stoppers.
The locking mechanism has the original key, which when turned makes the top panel raise on one side allowing the decanters to be released. When closed an...d locked the decanters cannot be removed, hence the name Tantalus, it will 'tantalise' anyone without the key, who can see the spirit in the bottles but cannot touch.
Please see pictures which form part of the description.
This tantalus is stamped with the maker's mark J S & S in a shield for John Sherwood & Sons with the Beaver mark, which was their trademark and the Crown mark, which copies the silver assay mark for Sheffield, where their factory Regent Works was located. It is also stamped PATENTED, which presumably refers to the locking mechanism.
The Tantalus measures: 14 inches (355mm) long x 5.5 inches (140mm) wide.The Decanters including Stoppers measure: 9.5 inches (230mm) tall x 3.5 inches (90mm) square
The condition is very good and the mechanism works perfectly with the original key. There is no damage but there are minor signs of wear although the silver plating is intact. The glass decanters are also in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks.
Dispatched Royal Mail 2nd Class - International Postage offered - Price varies depending on country - Please contact for your costs.
If you have any questions please let me know.
I have been buying on eBay for many years but have never sold anything before. I have now decided to reduce my inventory by selling some unusual items - please see my other listings (more to come soon....!)
