Victorian Amboyna Single Bottle Tantalus by George Betjemann

Description

This Victorian Amboyna Single Bottle Tantalus by George Betjemann, dating to circa 1885, is constructed in richly figured amboyna and raised on a spreading plinth base. The silver plated metal handle incorporates the Bramah locking mechanism, with the original key retained.

The tantalus is fitted with a single square cut crystal decanter with canted corners and a multi-faceted stopper, the glass decorated with a horizontal ribbed pattern.

Single bottle examples are notably less common than the larger two and three bottle formats, making this a particularly unusual example of George Betjemann’s original tantalus design. The tantalus retains its working lock and tasselled key.

View the full Tantalus Collection.

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What is Amboyna?

Amboyna also known as Andaman Padauk, Maiou or Narra grows in parts of East Asia (Malaysia, the Philippines and Borneo) and is often golden brown to red brown in colour with red grain. It is a firm wood with wavy and often interlocking grain making it difficult to work with hand tools, despite this it turns well and produces a high polish. The Burr from these trees varies in colour from a golden yellow to a deep red with sharp, close burr pips. It is very sought after and used for only the finest furniture.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Amboyna.

What is a Tantalus?

The 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.

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.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Bramah.

What is the Victorian Period? 

The Victorian period is an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

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Additional information

Dimensions	16 × 14 × 28 cm
Country	England, United Kingdom
Medium	Amboyna, Glass, Silver Plate
Period	19th Century, Late 19th Century, Victorian
Year	Circa 1885
SKU	501389-TGCE