This magnificent piece is called "The Betjemann patent Tantalus". As the name indicates, it was manufactured by Betjemann prior to 1900. The "Tantalus" is an apparatus for locking decanters of drink away from the servants. The Tantalus is considered to be the most popular item manufactured by Betjemann. Interestingly, the concept of the Tantalus is said to have come from son John Betjemann's literary work "Diary of a Nobody". The Betjemann firm was a provid ...click for details
|
