1830s Tantalus Set, French. Burl Wood veneers, brass corners and lined with red leather.
Tantalus: Small box or cabinet containing decanters. Lock and key keep unauthorized people from drinking the contents e.g. servants and younger sons, yet still allowing the decanters of drinks to be on show. The word, Tantalus, is a reference to the unsatisfied temptations of the Greek mythological character, Tantalus.