About this lot

Description

by Walker and Hall, Sheffield, of traditional rectangular form with stepped base, fixed frame and top handle, the locking mechanism to the side released by the key, tipping the bottle frame with the three decanters - heavily decorated with repeating patterns of octagons and crosses - forward at an angle sufficient to allow access from under the top frame, stamped to the side 'The Only "Holdfast" patent' (Dimensions: 32cm x 38cm x 17cm)

(32cm x 38cm x 17cm)

Footnote: A tantalus is an open cabinet, sometimes of metal but more commonly of wood, containing two or three spirit decanters. Lockable to prevent unauthorised drinking of the contents, particularly by servants and children, its name is a reference to the unsatisfied temptations of the Greek mythological character, Tantalus.

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