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If you find the same item listed at a lower price (including delivery) elsewhere, we'll match it for you.

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  3. We'll check that it's the same item from the same seller.
  4. If eligible, Vinterior matches the price.
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Item details

Height

49.0 cm

Width

48.0 cm

Depth

28.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Excellent

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

This is a superb and rare antique Victorian flame mahogany cased three decanter Gentlemans tantalus / Library  / communication station by Maples & Co,  C1880 in date.

The cabinet has boxwood line inlaid decoration with satinwood shell marquetry motifs. One side with twin doors opening to reveal a glass spirit decanter and four cut glass tumblers, with a mirrored back, above four drawers for playing cards and games.

The other side is for telegrams, letters and general stationery. 

Fitted with the original brass carrying handles to the sides.

It is a decorative piece which is also very practical, and would  make a lovely gift.

It is complete with the original working lock and key, which locks.

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned polished and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
 

Dimensions in cm:

Height 49 x Width 48 x Depth 28

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 foot, 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 7 inches x Depth 11 inches

Tantalus
 is a type of liquor decanter in which the bottle stoppers are locked down tightly by a metal bar. This was to prevent the theft of the contents by servants. Like the name suggests, the decanters themselves are visible, drawing temptation while unattainable. A key is required for entry.

The most common types of tantalus holds three bottles or decanters while there are also smaller types housing only two. There are many different forms of tantalus. Often the encasement has metal handles on both sides and ornately carved decor. Crystal and metal versions are also a beautiful option when choosing a tantalus.

Tantalus derived its name from the story of the mythological Greek king, Tantalus, mortal son of Zeus and Pluto. To be tantalized is to be tempted with the unattainable, and the king was sorely tested. He was condemned to an eternity in Hades for angering the Gods and was forced to stand forever in water that, when he bent to drink, would recede and to gaze upon foods he could only reach for and never grasp.

The 1800s saw our Victorian predecessors apply the King's name to the lockable decanter.

Bramah
is London's oldest security company. Established at 124 Piccadilly, London in 1784, and today based in Marylebone, London and Romford, Essex.

Bramah made their first lock in 1784 and the patent was awarded in 1787. The designer was Joseph Bramah. Joseph Bramah was a leading inventor of the industrial revolution, patenting over 18 new ideas, including a new valve for the water closet (toilet), the hydraulic pump, a fountain pen, and a fire engine.

Bramah also introduced a beer hand pump for use at the bar, to prevent fluid loss when barmen went downstairs to pour a new jug! Due to the quality of his manufacturing, his name became a by-word amongst British Engineers for engineering excellence and many of his inventions are on display in the Science Museum in London. You can find one of his original toilets still working in Osborne House, Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

The Bramah lock was unique and advanced property and valuables protection enormously. Indeed it was 50 years ahead of any Chubb lock and 70 years ahead of Yale. Original Bramah locks are most often found on the highest quality homes and furniture.

Manufactured
1800s
Item location
London, United Kingdom
Period
19th Century
Condition
Refurbished

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Returns

We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.

Free UK Mainland delivery.

Estimated delivery time

Less than one week

Free collection available

Yes

The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.

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Professional
Top seller
5.0 / 5
Located in London, United Kingdom
  • Selling at Vinterior since 2016
  • 265 sales
  • Ships from London, United Kingdom
Regent Antiques was established in London in 1980. Born out of a natural love for art and beautiful objects, we have been a highly respected member of the antique fraternity ever since. Industry bodies of which we are a member include LAPADA and CINOA. We specialize in English and Continental furniture, silver, porcelain, and antique and contemporary decorative items. Our mission is to provide an enjoyable and seamless buying experience that delivers the finest pieces to all corners of the globe so that they can be cherished for generations.

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Cancellations and Returns

Last updated: 13th August 2024

Our Terms of sale were designed to treat both Customers and Vendors (including Professional Vendors and Non-Professional Vendors (as defined in the Site Terms)) fairly, in order to make the shopping/selling experience with Vinterior just as exceptional as the items.

To protect our Customers from disappointment or the unexpected, we strongly encourage them to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything on the Site, and then again upon delivery or pickup.

If the Customer is unsure about an item's condition, dimensions, quantity, or description, they can send their questions to the item's Vendor by clicking on Ask the seller on the listing page of the Site.

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The right to cancel does not apply to the following types of goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke, or made-to-order according to the customer's specific requirements. If in doubt, the Customer can contact the Vendor via the Site.

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All items at Vinterior are special and unique, and we understand that once they are at the Customer's place, they might not fit the space or just don’t feel right. This is why we offer a market-leading 100-day returns policy for purchases from Professional sellers after goods have been received by customers based in the UK and European Union. This means Vinterior customers can return their items for any reason up to 100 days from the day they were received.

If purchased from an Individual seller, a 14-day return policy applies from the day it was received.

Types of returns and responsibilities

Change of mind return

Consumers can return the goods due to a change of mind. Once a return is requested, the buyer is in charge of shipping the goods back to the seller and should organise it as soon as possible. Shipment costs to and from buyers are non-refundable.

Item not fit for purpose

Acting under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, customers may return faulty Goods that are damaged or the listing on the Site is materially inaccurate, misleading, or misrepresents the Goods. In these cases, the Customer must provide photographic evidence to Vinterior and the Vendor or reject the delivery on arrival.

Damage in transit

Vinterior must be informed of any damage in transit. If Proovia delivered the items, Vinterior will then raise an insurance claim on behalf of the Vendor with the delivery company. If the seller organised a delivery, they would be asked to raise a claim with their courier. Once the claim is resolved and any relevant decision regarding the insurance has been made, any applicable refunds will be processed.

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How you will be refunded?

Once the item is returned to the Vendor in the same condition, the Vendor will confirm receipt of the item, and Vinterior will refund the original payment method.

If an item is returned to the seller damaged or in an unsuitable condition, Vinterior will not be able to process the refund, and the seller may have to send it back (and ask you to cover the delivery costs). All items are inspected on return.

What can't be returned?

As with cancellations, the right to return an item does not apply to the following types of Goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to the Customer's specific requirements.

Please note that vintage items are not sold as new and are likely to show signs of wear and tear. This is not sufficient grounds for a refund.

Vendors may refuse a return of an item if the Customer has altered it in any way.

Neither Vinterior nor the Vendors are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.

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