Tantalizing Tantalus

This extraordinary antique liquor or wine caddy is also known as a tantalus. In Greek mythology, Tantalus was an evil king who was punished by the gods by being forced to stand for eternity in a pool of water beneath the boughs of a tree laden with ripe fruit; however, if he bent down to drink, the water sank beneath the ground, and if he reached up to pluck a piece of fruit, the boughs lifted just out of his reach. The word "tantalize" is derived from this legend. The liquor tantalus got its name because originally there was a bar to lock the decanters in place, keeping thirsty servants and children from helping themselves to its tantalizing contents. However, the term came to be applied to any sort of liquor caddy or decanter stand that offered a variety of libations. This superb example features four graceful glass decanters set into an elaborate silver plated frame with a handy center handle. This lovely liquor caddy is just want one needs to get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) in grand style.

The decanters are each etched with a delicate design.

Underneath, this stunning decanter stand is stamped with the anchor mark and initials "A." and "F" of the French manufacturer Armand Frenais. Founded in 1877, this company was a rival of the famed Christofle company. Frenais produced high-quality sterling and silver plate flatware, tableware, and decorative items with elegant designs that reflected the tastes of the time. Their products were highly sought after during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Frenais closed in 1927.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

8096-418

 

Pleased as Punch. . .

 . . . is what you might be when your admiring guests gather around this outstanding shimmering silver-plate punch bowl set from International Silver. Whether making merry for Christmas or toasting in the New Year, this set will ensure that you do it in grand style. The fifteen-piece set includes 12 cups, a matching ladle, and even a serving tray. 

All the pieces are deeply embossed with bunches of plump grapes peeking out from heavily-textured leaves. This is a set certainly suitable for your next bacchanal!

This impressive punch bowl set is by International Silver. Founded in 1898 in Connecticut, the company became one of the largest producers of flatware and tableware, through its high quality, contemporary designs, and clever advertising. For example, in the late 1930s, it sponsored a radio program entitled the "Silver Theater" that featured many of the top names in Hollywood and its print ads in popular magazines of the day featured many of these same famous actresses endorsing its products. The company closed its Connecticut plant in 1981 and liquidation was completed in 1983.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

16376-6

Fishing for Compliments. . . .

is not something you will have to do when you set your table with this marvelous antique fish set. In the 1850s in England it became customary at fine dinners to serve the courses separately, instead of laying everything on the table at once. Both the wealthy and the rising middle class used this as a way to display both their prosperity and good taste by providing special utensils for each course. A proper Victorian place setting could consist of over twenty different pieces of cutlery and a guest demonstrated his or her class and knowledge of etiquette by correctly using each and every piece during a meal that could last for hours. The fish course required its on special set of forks and knives, often embellished with handles of horn or mother of pearl and engraved ornaments. A fancy fish set in a beautiful presentation box was a popular wedding gift.

 Of gleaming silver plate with carved mother of pearl handles, it resides in a beautiful burled wood box. 

The box holds three tiers of utensils, nestled in blue velvet, enough to serve an entire school of fish. 

Each piece carries the Maltese cross and star mark of Joseph Rodgers and Sons of Sheffield, England, as well as the initials "JR." The cross and star were first registered by Rodgers in 1764. The firm was renowned for its fine flatware and pocket knives and was granted a royal warrant of appointment by five successive sovereigns, from King George IV to King George V.

 All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

15518-370