Tantalus Liquor Cabinet – Nepoleonic Era

divisor line
divisor line

Elegant Tantalus Liquor Cabinet

A cave à liqueur, also known as a Tantalus, is an ornate box that opens to reveal decanters of liquor and aperitif glasses.  They were very popular during the reign of Napoleon III.  Both side walls and the lid swing open to reveal an elaborate ormolu tray adorned with golden foliage. In the middle are sixteen aperitifs (one aperitif is broken but present), surrounded by four decanters, each topped with a glass stopper. All of the glasses and decanters are etched with bows, flowers, leaves, and geometric patterns.  We think this can be dated mid to late 19th century – possibly earlier.

Dimensions:  Ht: 10 1/4″    Width:  12 3/4″     Depth:  9 1/2″

Wt: 12 lbs.

Decanter and Aperitif                                                                                     Front View
The beautiful case is comprised of beautiful inlays of various burled wood patterns, including a tortoiseshell motif and various geometrics.  The primary wood appears to be mahogany.  There is a small wood replacement on the bottom of the right side of the case.


Top View Showing Medalion

Side View

divisor line

Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

Our Unconditional 'No Nonsense' Guarantee

If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.

Established in 2003

Celebrating 18 Years of Exellence in Nautical Antiques

Join Our Mailing List


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact