Tantalus Liquor Cabinet

Tantalus is an Ancient Greek word referring to the severe punishment of the Greek mythological figure and gave rise to the word “tantalizing", meaning something that is tempting but just out of reach. A Tantulus is a cabinet originally used as a means of preventing servants from stealing the master's liquor. ( The decanters are clearly visible but the liquor is out of reach. ) The Betjemann tantalus was invented by George Betjemann, grand-father of the noted English poet and broadcaster, Sir John Betjeman, in 1881. It was once thought that the Betjemann tantalus was designed in order to prevent a household’s butler from stealing or sampling the decanters’ contents.Antique tantaluses are extremely popular collectors’ items, prices determined by its age, condition, the sophistication of the patent locking system and the quality of the glass decanters.The antique tantalus ''liquor caddy’’ is a handsome one, and the three crystal decanters are exquisite.This Tantulus was appraised in 2004