{"product_id":"19th-century-victorian-library-tantalus-crafted-from-four-hollowed-antique-books-with-original-gilt-decorated-decanter-four-cordial-glasses","title":"19th Century Victorian Library Tantalus Crafted from Four Hollowed Antique Books with Original Gilt-Decorated Decanter \u0026 Four Cordial Glasses","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional and highly unusual \u003cb\u003e19th-century Victorian library tantalus\u003c\/b\u003e, ingeniously concealed within \u003cb\u003efour authentic hollowed antique leather-bound books\u003c\/b\u003e, preserving the illusion of a distinguished gentleman’s library while discreetly housing a complete spirits service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike later book-form novelty boxes, this remarkable example was created using \u003cb\u003egenuine antiquarian volumes\u003c\/b\u003e, each carefully hollowed by hand to form a fitted interior. The books retain their richly tooled leather bindings, raised bands, gilt decoration, marbled boards, and aged page edges, lending the piece an authenticity and character that only centuries of natural patina can provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening the upper volume reveals its original fitted interior containing a beautifully decorated square glass decanter with its matching faceted stopper, accompanied by four coordinating gilt-rimmed cordial glasses. The interior is lined with decorative paper and fitted compartments, creating an elegant hidden bar intended to surprise guests while remaining virtually indistinguishable from a stack of scholarly books when closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObjects of this nature were prized in Victorian libraries, studies, and gentlemen’s clubs, where concealed liquor services combined practicality, craftsmanship, and a sense of theatrical refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetails:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVictorian period, 19th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstructed from \u003cb\u003efour genuine hollowed antique leather-bound books\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHidden library tantalus \/ concealed liquor cabinet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal square gilt-decorated glass decanter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatching faceted stopper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour matching gilt-rimmed cordial glasses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich gilt-tooled leather bindings with raised bands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarbled paper boards and page edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorative paper-lined interior with fitted compartments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA remarkable decorative object for libraries, studies, bars, or collectors of unusual Victorian furnishings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis extraordinary piece beautifully bridges the worlds of antiquarian books, decorative arts, and Victorian entertaining. Whether displayed in a private library or on a bar, it serves as both a sophisticated conversation piece and a fascinating example of 19th-century craftsmanship and ingenuity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Overall good antique condition consistent with age. The bindings exhibit expected wear, rubbing, scattered losses to the gilt tooling, and age-related imperfections that enhance the authenticity and historic character of the piece. The glass components display light wear consistent with careful use and age. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":sp\" class=\"ii gt\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":pe\" class=\"a3s aiL\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"avWBGd-304\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Purchase \u0026amp; Condition Notice:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item is antique\/vintage and sold \u003cb\u003eas-is\u003c\/b\u003e. Age-related wear, restoration, and imperfections are expected and form part of its character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll descriptions and attributions are opinions and may differ among experts. Any appraisal or valuation references are provided for context only and are not guarantees of value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy purchasing, you confirm that you have reviewed all images and information and are making an independent buying decision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll sales are final. This transaction is binding, and you agree not to dispute the purchase or initiate a chargeback based on condition, attribution, or valuation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adL\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"avWBGd-305\" data-hash=\"0\" class=\"WhmR8e\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease read our Policies located on the left bottom portion of our websites footer prior to purchase. Purchasing is an acknowledgment of our policies. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penumbra Antiques","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":43122437587006,"sku":null,"price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0650\/9815\/4046\/files\/DSC_4805.jpg?v=1785026723","url":"https:\/\/penumbraantiques.com\/products\/19th-century-victorian-library-tantalus-crafted-from-four-hollowed-antique-books-with-original-gilt-decorated-decanter-four-cordial-glasses","provider":"Penumbra Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}