Late 19th Century Betjemann's Patent London 3 Decanter Oak Tantalus

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Description

Stunning antique oak and brass encased 3 bottle tantalus with key.
The brass handle is stamped "Betjemann's Patent London 55007" … Read more Stunning antique oak and brass encased 3 bottle tantalus with key.
The brass handle is stamped "Betjemann's Patent London 55007" on one end and "The Tantalus" on the opposing end.
Contains three different bottles with later German silver decanter labels. Two of the bottles are the same height, one is taller.
This style of tantalus was patented by the poet Sir John Betjeman's grandfather, George Betjemann (who retained the original Germanic spelling of his name).

The lock barrel has a working key and - when pushed downward - allows the handle to rotate so the decanters can be removed.

Named after the Greek mythological creature Tantalus - Designed to be displayed but the decanters cannot be removed without a key to discourage the unauthorized use by others (young boys wanting to raid their parents or servants....) See less