Description

Oak Betjemanns Tantalus. Featuring ornate brass corner supports, carry handle and escutcheon.

The tantalus holds three unusual cut lead crystal decanters of cylindrical tapering form with cut glass stoppers. The decanters can be removed once the tantalus has been unlocked turning the key in the barrell clockwise, then by pressing a lever down under the lock barrel allows the carrying handle to be pivoted forwards or back. The carrying handle is stamped with the following:
“Betjemanns Patent 41446 London”
” The Tantalus ” On the front edge of the tantalus is a brass retailers plaque which reads:
Kirby. Beard & Co Ld This tantalus comes with a fully working lock and tasselled key.

Important information on how to lock and unlocking a Tantalus.

When locking the Tantalus always try it first with the swing arm in the open position so you feel the tolerance of the lock.

To unlock, the key must be pressed into the lock and held whilst turning as the key barrel is sprung. Turning clockwise unlocks and anti clockwise locks.

Once unlocked the key barrel is pressed towards the base. This will allow the swing arm to fold forwards or backwards to release the decanters.

Additional information