Antique English Tantalus / Games Set

Description

An elegant antique English Late Victorian / Edwardian Tantalus and Games set. Hand-crafted in England around the turn of the … more An elegant antique English Late Victorian / Edwardian Tantalus and Games set. Hand-crafted in England around the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century, most likely in a custom, rare, one-of-a-kind hand painted finish.

Featuring some unusual surprises, including out-swinging double door hinged top cabinet, opening to divided compartments / bar accessory storage with removable wood dividers and green felt lined interior. Lifting the felted wood bottom reveals one side is a false floor that lifts access the secret hiding space (shown with a silver bar to show scale / silver bar not included)

A concealed spring-loaded single drawer with secret wood release button in front of the decanters that must be pushed down while simultaneously pushing the drawer in and letting go, releasing the large concealed drawer fitted with three recessed compartments, ideal for game pieces, playing cards, or gambling chips, and revealing a removable parquetry inlaid cribbage game board block.

The antique cream bone white painted solid wooden case with faint, pale light alabaster red distressed patina finish, decorated with pressed floral reliefs, ornate silver-tone patinated metal mounts, and convenient carry handles, flanking the scalloped shaped three-sided raised gallery with mirrored splashback and open display style front housing a trio of wonderfully reflective cut crystal colorless glass decanter liquor / wine bottles in brilliant cut cane pattern with sphere stoppers.

Dimensions (approx)
13" High, 14.5" Wide, 10.5" Deep

Great shape overall, especially considering its age of well over a century. Wear consistent with age and indicative use, including typical minor chips to decanter rims. The cabinet presents well, enhanced by distinctive distressed finish and warm patina. Strong and sturdy, likely with age appropriate scattered scuffs, light scratches, nicks, and various minor imperfections, none that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the unique antique character, rustic charm, and overall rich authenticity. less