ANTIQUE 20thC AMERICAN SOLID SILVER & CUT GLASS TANTALUS, TIFFANY & CO c.1920
Antique early-20th Century American solid silver & cut glass locking tantalus by the indomitable Tiffany & Co, the luxury American retailers synonymous with elegance, sophistication and exclusivity. This piece ticks all those boxes and would elevate even the most comprehensive home bar - one can imagine it emerging from the shadows after supper in Prohibition era America. The heavy quality diamond-cut bottles were most probably made by Hawkes & Co, like Tiffany, also based in New York and know for their premium quality glassware. The telescopic locking mechanism which holds them in place is quite ingenious with the handle and two caps formed as one and when he lock is removed, slides upwards along the central column.
Reference Number: J9271
DESCRIPTION
Antique early-20th Century American solid silver & cut glass locking tantalus by the indomitable Tiffany & Co, the luxury American retailers synonymous with elegance, sophistication and exclusivity. This piece ticks all those boxes and would elevate even the most comprehensive home bar - one can imagine it emerging from the shadows after supper in Prohibition era America. The heavy quality diamond-cut bottles were most probably made by Hawkes & Co, like Tiffany, also based in New York and know for their premium quality glassware. The telescopic locking mechanism which holds them in place is quite ingenious with the handle and two caps formed as one and when he lock is removed, slides upwards along the central column.
The word “tantalize“ comes from the plight of the mythological Tantalus, who so offended the gods that he was condemned in the afterlife to an eternity of hunger and thirst. He was made to stand in a pool in Tartarus, the Underworld zone of punishment. In the late 19th century spirits such as Scotch, Brandy, Gin were expensive and were kept locked away from the servants of the household. However the fact that they were so visible gave its name “tantalus“ to these items which often would carry two or three decanters. These decanters are in great condition made with cut crystal glass. An extremely elegant manner to treat your guests and a great conversation piece or simply a superb gift and a must have item during the festive holidays.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Handle engraved 'Y' on the top - erasable upon request. the silver-plated lock is possibly a later replacement.
SIZE
Height: 28cm
Depth: cm
Weight: g