{"title":"Auctions","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"c-1885-george-betjemann-and-sons-patent-london-victorian-oak-four-bottle-tantalus-with-hand-cut-crystal-decanters-and-sterling-silver-tags-19-5-w-13-h-5-75-d-no-21681","title":"🔥🔥ON AUCTION🔥🔥 | c.1885 | George Betjemann \u0026 Sons Patent, London Victorian Oak Four-Bottle Tantalus with Hand-Cut Crystal Decanters \u0026 Sterling Silver Tags, 19.5” W × 13” H × 5.75” D, No. 21681","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetjemann’s Patent London Oak Tantalus with 4 Hand-Cut Crystal Decanters, Pewter Handle \u0026amp; Sterling Silver Tags, 19.5” W × 13” H × 5.75” D, No. 21681\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarting Bid: $1,500\u003cbr\u003e Estimated Value: $2,000–$3,000\u003cbr\u003e🔥🔥No Reserve🔥🔥\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional antique \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBetjemann’s Patent Tantalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, crafted in oak and fitted with four square hand-cut crystal decanters featuring a beautiful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edaisy and cane motif\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Each bottle is accompanied by its own \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esterling silver spirit tag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, creating a striking and highly collectible presentation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe substantial oak carrying case is finished with a pewter handle and is marked:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBetjemann’s \/ Patent \/ London \/ 21681\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeorge Betjemann \u0026amp; Sons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e were among Victorian London’s most celebrated makers of luxury patented cabinetware, known for finely crafted dressing cases, boxes, writing accessories, and ingenious mechanical designs. Their most famous innovation became the locking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTantalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, introduced in the late 19th century as an elegant way to display fine spirits while keeping the decanters secured beneath a patented locking mechanism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name “Tantalus” is a clever reference to the figure from Greek mythology who was perpetually tempted by something visible but just beyond reach—perfectly suited to a cabinet that allowed crystal decanters to remain beautifully displayed while inaccessible without the key.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBetjemann’s Tantali became closely associated with refined Victorian and Edwardian entertaining and remain especially desirable today for their combination of craftsmanship, history, mechanical ingenuity, and decorative appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19.5” W × 13” H × 5.75” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFabulous exterior condition with no wear, several noted imperfections. The Brandy bottle has a crack at the neck and rim. The Port bottle has a chip to the base. The Sherry bottle has a repair to the base, and the Whiskey bottle has a large chip to the base. The original key is not present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite these condition issues, this remains a visually impressive and historically significant example of Betjemann’s patented design, particularly appealing in its four-bottle configuration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA commanding piece for a traditional bar, library, study, or collected interior, and a wonderful acquisition for collectors of antique English barware, Victorian design, and Betjemann’s patented cabinetware.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lillian Grey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46114770845903,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/8038\/8303\/files\/63DF60EE-644F-4FCC-B299-11FC08527C46.jpg?v=1789008741"},{"product_id":"rare-large-wedgwood-black-basalt-acanthus-centerpiece-bowl-neoclassical-floral-relief-black-approx-10-d-4-25-h","title":"🔥ON AUCTION🔥 Rare Large Vintage Wedgwood Black Basalt Acanthus Centerpiece Bowl | Neoclassical Floral Relief | Black | Approx. 10” D × 4.25” H","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWedgwood Black Basalt Acanthus Bowl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, beautifully modeled in the neoclassical tradition that has long defined Wedgwood’s black basalt wares.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe deep matte black body is decorated in crisp molded relief with alternating \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eacanthus leaves and bellflower motifs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while an elegant band of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoak leaves and acorns\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e encircles the upper rim. The restrained classical decoration gives the bowl the appearance of aged bronze, making it equally beautiful in a traditional interior or layered into a more contemporary collected home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWedgwood’s black basalt was developed to achieve an exceptionally rich, dense black stoneware surface and became one of the company’s most recognizable classical bodies. Documented Acanthus bowls share this same combination of botanical relief, low pedestal foot, and substantial open-bowl form.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Wedgwood, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection\/Pattern: Acanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Black Basalt Stoneware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor: Matte Black\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle: Neoclassical \/ Classical Revival\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesign: Acanthus leaves, bellflowers, oak leaves \u0026amp; acorns in molded relief\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eForm: Large Footed Centerpiece Bowl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions: Approximately 10”–10.5” D × 4.25” H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Very good vintage condition with light surface wear and scratching consistent with age and previous use. No obvious chips, cracks, or repairs visible in the provided photographs. Please review all images carefully as they form part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA beautiful statement piece for a console, dining table, library, or collected shelf—especially striking filled with moss, fruit, seasonal botanicals, or displayed simply on its own.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lillian Grey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120072839375,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/8038\/8303\/files\/8E7F7433-66BC-4900-98B4-313248C93A5E.jpg?v=1789173969"},{"product_id":"rare-antique-large-wedgwood-black-basalt-neoclassical-jardiniere-lion-masks-grape-swags-classical-figures-c-1870-1900-8-d-6-75-h","title":"🔥🔥 ON AUCTION 🔥🔥 Rare Antique Large Wedgwood Black Basalt Neoclassical Jardinière | Lion Masks, Grape Swags \u0026 Classical Figures | c.1870–1900 | 8” D × 6.75” H","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eantique Wedgwood black basalt jardinière\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, beautifully modeled in the neoclassical tradition that made Wedgwood’s basalt wares so distinctive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe substantial cylindrical form is richly decorated in applied relief with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efruiting grapevine swags suspended from lion masks with ring handles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, classical female figures, and a finely molded floral border beneath the rim. The deep matte black body gives the piece a sculptural, almost bronzed appearance and allows the classical ornament to stand out beautifully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe underside bears a simple impressed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWEDGWOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e mark, consistent with earlier production and supportive of a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003elate 19th-century date, circa 1870–1900\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The form and decoration are characteristic of Wedgwood’s historic neoclassical black basalt designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Wedgwood, England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: Black Basalt Stoneware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor: Matte Black\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle: Neoclassical \/ Classical Revival\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecoration: Lion masks, ring handles, grapevine swags, floral border, and classical figures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eForm: Jardinière \/ Cachepot \/ Decorative Planter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions: Approximately 8” D × 6.75” H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMark: Impressed WEDGWOOD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate: Circa 1870–1900\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Very good antique condition with light surface wear and rubbing consistent with age. No obvious chips, cracks, or repairs visible in the photographs. Please review all images carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA handsome and highly decorative example of Wedgwood black basalt, perfect displayed on a console, library table, or mantel, or styled with an orchid, topiary, or seasonal arrangement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lillian Grey","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46120091517135,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/8038\/8303\/files\/516EFD39-B767-4304-B9DE-1B948D1B5C30.jpg?v=1789175068"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.shoplilliangrey.com\/en-it\/collections\/auction-today.oembed","provider":"Lillian Grey","version":"1.0","type":"link"}