Item Report
Victorian Gothic Revival Wood and Glass Tantalus Set
By: Unknown
Style: Victorian Gothic Revival
Origin: United Kingdom or Continental Europe
Materials: Wood (likely ebonized or stained), glass (amber-colored), metal (decorative accents), felt (lining)
Age: Circa 1880-1910
Condition: Very Good (minor surface and lining wear, glassware appears intact, not officially appraised)
Value: $150-$350 (auction liquidation estimate, dependent on condition and completeness)
Maker's Marks / Writing: No visible maker’s marks or signature in this image.
Date: 2025-06-07 05:03:50.651717
Description:
This is a Victorian Gothic Revival tantalus set, consisting of a wooden casket-style box with castle-inspired decorative elements, red felt-lined compartments, amber-colored glass decanters with matching stoppers, and shot glasses. The exterior features relief and possibly cast metal ornamentation resembling chains and architectural motifs. The set is designed for holding and serving spirits, typically placed in a parlor or drawing room. The combination of Gothic Revival styling and machine-made glass suggests late 19th to early 20th century manufacture.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A decorative and functional antique tantalus with distinctive Gothic Revival details and original glassware. Some signs of wear, but overall well-preserved. Such sets were popular in the late Victorian era for securing alcoholic beverages. The originality and quality of the glass decanters enhance the value.
Individual Images:
- The detail images highlight the red felt lining (classic for such boxes)
- the sliding drawer construction
- and the castle-themed exterior metalwork. Glass decanters and glasses seem to match and are free from visible chips. The hinges and chains show age-appropriate wear
- enhancing authenticity.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation included.
Condition:
Very Good (minor surface and lining wear, glassware appears intact, not officially appraised)
Identification Score: 90%
The design, materials, and construction are consistent with known examples of Victorian-era tantalus sets. The distinctive stylized architectural features, glass decanters, and felt lining strongly support this identification.
Authenticity Score: 80%
The materials, craftsmanship, and style elements fit authentic examples from the period, though some details (surface wear, possible restoration) require more images to fully confirm age. The decanters appear original.
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Victorian, Gothic Revival, tantalus, decanter set, antique, wood, glass, barware
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