Coromandel Tantalus by George Betjemann
£1,950.00
A late Victorian coromandel three bottle tantalus by George Betjemann dating to circa 1890, veneered in richly figured coromandel and fitted with silver plated mounts throughout. The tantalus is a known model by George Betjemann and Sons, configured to house... Read More
Late Victorian three bottle coromandel tantalus by George Betjemann, fitted with a Bramah lock, silver plated mounts and three matching cut glass decanters.
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Description
Description
A late Victorian coromandel three bottle tantalus by George Betjemann dating to circa 1890, veneered in richly figured coromandel and fitted with silver plated mounts throughout. The tantalus is a known model by George Betjemann and Sons, configured to house three square cut glass decanters beneath a secure locking frame.
The body is fitted with a Bramah lock and a substantial silver plated drop down carrying handle to the top. Once unlocked, the mechanism releases the retaining frame allowing access to the decanters, a feature designed for the secure storage of wines and spirits during the late nineteenth century.
The three decanters are hand cut with a combination of floral motifs and quilt cut decoration, each retaining its matching faceted ball stopper. The silver plated mounts contrast with the deep tones of the coromandel veneer and the brilliance of the cut crystal.
Removing the decanters reveals a satinwood lined interior, carefully divided to accommodate each bottle within its individual compartment.
The Tantalus comes with a fully working lock and tasselled key.
View the full Tantalus Collection.
Measurements
34cm High x 42cm Wide x 17cm Deep (13.4 x 16.54 x 6.7 Inches)
What is a Tantalus?
Tantalus origin traces back to the 19th century in England when a German born cabinetmaker George Betjemann patented the Tantalus model in 1881 (UK Patent 58948). Betjemann & Sons had workshops at 34-42 Pentonville Road, London from the 1830s specialising in high quality Boxes for various uses and Decanter sets including the Tantalus.
The name ‘Tantalus’ is a reference to the unsatisfied temptations of the Greek mythological character Tantalus, son of Zeus. It is told that he was trapped in Tartarus, made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low hanging branches. The fruit would forever elude his grasp and the pool would recede before he was able to quench his thirst. The story is in reference to the lockable aspect of the Tantalus eluding anyone trying to access the decanters without the key.
Who were George Betjemann & Sons?
George Betjemann started as an apprentice cabinet maker from a young age working for his Father in Law. In 1848, his two sons George William Betjemann and John Betjemann joined him under apprenticeships until 1846 when George William Betjemann started his own business with his two sons. In 1859 George moved to a new premises on Pentonville road, London. This was when the business became known as ‘Betjemann & Sons’. John Betjemann was grandfather of the later famous poet laureate Sir John Betjemann.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on George Betjemann & Sons.
What is Coromandel?
is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.
For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel.
What is Satinwood?
is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich golden colour and an almost reflective sheen. Satinwood is traditionally used for high quality furniture.
For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Satinwood.
Who are Bramah?
Bramah is London’s oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Fitzrovia, London and Romford, Essex. Bramah manufactures Bramah and Rola locks for domestic and commercial applications in the U.K. and overseas. We are Marylebone and Fitzrovia’s foremost Locksmith and Burglar Alarm installer.
What is Silver plate?
Silver plate refers to a method of applying a thin layer of silver to a base metal such as brass. Therefore it refers to an item which is not solid silver but plated to the outer coating.
Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?
With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.
Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.
Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.
When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.
Additional information
Additional information
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| SKU | 501919TICE |
