Description

Miniature Betjemann Tantalusveneered in exotic Calamander with ornate silver-plated corner supports.

The silver-plated brass handle is marked:
“The Tantalus”
Betjemanns Patent London 5515On the base is a makers / retailers label which reads: ” Mappin & Webb Sheffield 77 & 78 Oxford St. Mansion Street B London” Miniature Tantalus contains three lead crystal hobnail cut glass decanters with faceted stoppers housed in blue silk compartments. Once unlocked the key barrel can be pressed down which allows the handle to fold down granting access to the bottles.

Calamander 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.

This tantalus comes with a fully working lock and tasselled key.

Created By:
MAPPIN & WEBB (worked from 1849)

G, G W, & J BETJEMANN, LONDON (worked from 1872)

Additional information