Antique Satin Wood Inlaid Three Cut Crystal Decanter Tantalus & Games 19th C
London, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Material
Other Wood
Item Location
London, United Kingdom
Product Details
Description
This is a superb antique Victorian mahogany cased three decanter tantalus with decorative satin wood inlaid decoration and a secret games drawer, Circa 1890 in date.
It was skillfully crafted with beautiful marquetry fan inlaid decoration, stylish brass handles and a Bramah locking system. There are three cut crystal glass decanters with stoppers and a mirrored back. The twin lidded compartment in front of the ecanters contains two cut glass liquer glasses and gambling chips.
There is a secret spring operated drawer below that can be accessed by pressing a hidden button in front of the decanters. It contains two packs of playing cards, dice, a set of 5 poker dice and a silver plate cribbage board with score markers.
It is a decorative piece which is also very practical, and would make a lovely gift.
It is complete with the original working Bramah lock and key, which locks everything.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. As an antique item, the piece shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, it displays beautifully.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 34 x Width 38 x Depth 29
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 1 inch x Width 1 foot, 3 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.
Wear Condition
Excellent
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free delivery in London.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 13 reviews
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.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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Changed your mind before dispatch?
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You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
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B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
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- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
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Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
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You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
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Some items cannot be returned:
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We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
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- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
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Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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