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Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century

Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
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  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
  • Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century | Ref. no. A3477 | Regent Antiques
Ref: A3477
Price: £1,450.00
This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860 in date.  It features...
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This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860 in date. 

It features brass inlaid decoration on the top and front with tulip wood banding. The hinged lid and the hinged sides open to reveal a lift-out  stand fitted with four liquor decanters and stoppers and sixteen  glasses.

Complete with original working lock and key, it is an absolutely superb set which is sure to attract a lot of attention.

 

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition.
Complete with 14 original glasses and 2 that have been added later.
 



Dimensions in cm:

Height 41 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 23 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 9 inches

Our reference: A3477

Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.

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 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. To be tantalized is to be tempted with the unattainable, and the king, condemned to an eternity in Hades, was sorely tested. He 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.
 

Birdseye Maple 

occurs primarily in Sugar Maple and is a very hard wood with divergent grain structure caused by the presence of the Birdseyes.

In the days when all furniture was made essentially by hand, Birdseye Maple was used by only the most capable cabinetmakers. These artisans had developed the tools and skills to work and finish Birdseye Maple successfully. Antique furniture made out of Birdseye Maple is rare and beautiful.

The divergent grain that makes Birdseye Maple beautiful also makes it difficult to work. Early woodworking machines ran at low rpms and had only 2 knives per cutterhead. This often produced Birdseye surfaces that were chipped and torn. It took many hours of hand planing and scraping to get these surfaces to a high sheen.

This limited the use of Birdseye maple to projects whose value could justify the extra labour cost. Examples of this are fine furniture and musical instruments.
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Dimensions in cm:

Height 41 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 23 cm

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 9 inches

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Shipping:

We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.

A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.

UK shipping times are typically 3-5 business days.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the United Kingdom, and we are not responsible for any delays in shipping or in the customs procedures of any jurisdiction, which are completely beyond our control.

To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE.

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Delivery and return policy:

We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.

In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.

The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.

Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the United Kingdom, and we are not responsible for any delays in shipping or in the customs procedures of any jurisdiction, which are completely beyond our control.

Please be advised that claims for damage with certain carriers can sometimes take several months to resolve, and we would be grateful for your patience and cooperation throughout the process.

Returns will be processed and refunds issued within 2-3 business days of receipt.

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