19th Century 3 Bottle Silver Plate Tantalus
£650
A 19th century fine and uncommon form 3 bottle (decanter) tantalus/caddy, dating to the end of the 19th century (circa 1880), 3 deep cut crystal square spirit/ whisky decanters are housed in a superior quality silver plated frame. A heavy gauge metal plate, for the base, is raised on 4 scroll feet, and the centre point on each of the long sides has a matching decorative scroll. The top structure is the highlight of this particular piece, each corner boasts a mythical ram's head on a single hoof figural corner post, all superbly modelled and cast with fine detail, long manes plus lifelike hair to the leg, terminating in a perfectly formed hoof. The corners are welded to a continuous three section retention frame, each aperture being octagonal to properly accommodate the canted corner square decanters. The frame is equally well cast with a beaded decoration. There are two additional posts in the centre of the piece, rising to the underside of the platform holding the swivel handle hinge. The upper structure is fitted to the base plate with nuts to the underside of the base plate. The design gives the caddy, strength and integrity, the balance is just right .
We have based our dating on the shape and cut of the decanters, there may be a bit of movement, it could be earlier, maybe 10 or so years (the frame is in a particular vein and edges the whole piece back a bit),.
There has been a light, non abrasive and non aggressive clean, we have left some of the age patina, we feel it adds to the overall appearance of the caddy. There is one original nut missing from the underside, however this hasn't made any difference to the integrity of the caddy, it is solid and without any signs of weakness etc. The individual decanters are true to the piece , identical deep hobnail cut with a central plain surface, shoulders are panel cut , plain neck with a facet cut and polished ball stopper. The central decanter is slightly taller than the two outer ones, but there is no evidence that they are not all original to the frame.
Apart from the two observations above the condition of the whole piece is excellent, it has only slight age related signs. there is no damage to any of the glass and the frame is equally undamaged.
SIZE: frame: 12 inches long
4 1/2 inches deep
11 1/2 inches overall height (to top of handle)
Decanter: 9 1/2 inches high