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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Tantalizing!

What's It Wednesday #34
Today I'm sharing a rather tantalizing item, the tantalus. The tantalus is an open work rack that holds large cut crystal liquor decanters, usually in sets of three or two. (Mine is a single!) The tops of the decanters are secured with a locking mechanism so that the stoppers can’t be removed unless the tantalus is unlocked with a key.

The tantalus gets its name from the Greek mythological king, Tantalus, since tantalized means to be “tempted with something unattainable”.  King Tantalus was condemned to spend eternity in hell, forced to stand in a pool of water that receded each time he bent to drink, never able to quench his thirst.

It was patented in 1881 by John Betjemann . It was once thought that it was designed to prevent household servants from stealing or sampling the decanter’s contents. However, it is much more likely that the ingenious device was just another novelty that became popular with the affluent middle-class of the late nineteenth century. Tantaluses were popular in England up through the early 20th century.

Hope I was able to tempt you with my tantalus! Thirty?

Hugs,
Patti

 And thank you all for participating in our "What's It Wednesday" Linky Party! 

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A Lapin Life


Shabby Loco


Revisionary Life


Fabby's Living  


Rooted In Thyme  


Wonderfully Made  


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46 comments:

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 18, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    How interesting and what a fun piece. I have found some fabulous decanters recentely, but not one of these. Thanks tons for hosting. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Carlene @ Organized ClutterJuly 18, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    I can say for sure that I have never seen a tantulus. Great features today!

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  3. AnonymousJuly 18, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    Yours is a very beautiful example.

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  4. TrishaJuly 18, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    How neat! Sounds like some parents might need these to keep their kids out of stuff! Thanks for the fun times!

    ~Trisha

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  5. Blessed SerendipityJuly 18, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    I learned something new about a tantalus. I have never heard of this before. Yours is beautiful. Thanks for hosting the party.

    blessings,
    Danielle

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  6. RhissannaJuly 18, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    Wow! You got a lovely example of a tantalus there. I love that you can see the mechanism on the side. The actual decanter is gorgeous, too. I so need one of these for Hubby's Steampunk Study!

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  7. ReviJuly 18, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    I ALWAYS get an education when I visit. That tantalus is pretty cool! Wish I'd had one when my sons were teens. :) I ended up giving my stash of cooking liqueurs away. BTW, I have that same crystal decanter...a wedding present eons ago.

    I stopped by to visit the party and was delighted to see I've been featured! Thanks so much, Ladies.
    -Revi

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  8. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeJuly 18, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    What an interesting item! Thankyou for educating me on that. Now if I see one while out and about on my antique excursions I'll know exactly what it is! Have a great week! Gina

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  9. Cottage and BroomeJuly 18, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    The tow of you come up with the most interesting items, I'd never heard of a tantalus. Love the shoes from last week. Thanks for hosting again, Laura

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  10. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaJuly 18, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    Wow, what a beautiful piece! Thank you so much for hosting :) Lovely features. Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

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  11. Burlap LuxeJuly 18, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Hi Patti,
    You have the best what's it's.

    You never fail to intrigue us with your treasures :)
    Yours features always inspire us as well.

    Have a beautiful end of the week see you soon with your next treasure or two :)

    xx
    Dore

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  12. Curtains in My TreeJuly 18, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I learn someting everytime i come over here

    do you borrow all these wonderful things or are they yours?

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  13. Faye July 18, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    Interesting! I never knew that. Thanks for hosting!

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  14. The White Pear TreeJuly 18, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    That's definitely a neat gizmo! A conversation piece for sure. I've never seen one of these!

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for hosting' Patti!

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  15. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorJuly 18, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    You always have the most tantalizing collectible to showcase and it is always so much fun to know about them:)Thanks for hosting this week! Have a lovely evening!~Poppy

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  16. cathywhatisoldisnewJuly 18, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Your post was so interesting as I have never heard of a tantulus! I linked the cottage shed up with your party and I hope I did it correctly. Thank you for the invitation.

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  17. The TablescaperJuly 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    I've seen these before, but never knew they had a name - let alone a name with such an interesting history!

    - The Tablescaper

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  18. FRENCH LAUNDRYJuly 18, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    You always have the most interesting, informative posts. LOVE What's It Wednesday!

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  19. Heaven's WalkJuly 18, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    I have to agree with everyone else, Patti! Your posts are always so informative! Thanks for another interesting tidbit of history! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  20. Rosemary@villabarnesJuly 18, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Great piece. Thanks for hosting.

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  21. Kim @ French Country AntiquesJuly 18, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Everyone is right...your posts are so interesting and very informative. I really loved the history behind the tantalus. Thanks for hosting!

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  22. SarahJuly 18, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    Tantalizing, indeed! This is a beautiful piece and such and interesting post. Thanks for hosting......Sarah

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  23. The Charm of HomeJuly 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    What a fascinating object! Thanks for the story!
    Sherry

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  24. NanaDianaJuly 18, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    I never knew what this object was before seeing it here. Amazing! Looks like a great party here today- xo Diana

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  25. The Liberty BelleJuly 18, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    I confess... I'm tempted by your tantalus! What a nice treasure!

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  26. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinJuly 19, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Thank you so much for hosting. Hope you gals have a grand week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  27. Glenda/MidSouthJuly 19, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    What an interesting piece. What someone else said - parents might need these. :D
    Thanks for hosting again this week.

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  28. AnneJuly 19, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Patti,
    Great features! I have never heard of a tantulus!But that is quite beautiful!
    xx
    Anne

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  29. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeJuly 19, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    As is the case with most of the beautiful things you collect . . . I have not ever heard of this piece! How fascinating it's origin is - thank you for enlightening and tantalizing us!

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  30. Stan and Jody GabaraJuly 19, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    When I came home today I was thrilled you had featured my Vintage Shoes in the Garden. It is such an honor to be recognized with the other features.Thank you so much. I always learn something new from your blog. I have never heard of a tantulus, thanks for sharing this beautiful piece. Lovely party also!

    Jody

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  31. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️July 19, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Hi Girls,

    You both always have the best stuff. The tantalus is beyond cool!

    Thanks so much for featuring me. Kelly and I had so much fun redoing her kitchen.

    xo,
    Dee

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  32. must love junkJuly 19, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    A very unique piece! Thanks for hosting :)
    Susan

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  33. janice15July 19, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    First time I ever seen or heard of this..it's a very nice piece...I love the Garden heels they are so sweet and such a great Idea...I love growing Thyme but that would be need to grow in some high heels..very nice post thanks for sharing it with the info...Have a sweet evening with love Janice

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  34. KarenJuly 19, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    I learn something every time I visit your blog. I've never seen or heard of a tantulus before now. It would come in handy in today's households LOL. I'm on a mission to learn more about them, I'm intrigued. Thanks for always sharing such great info.

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  35. Ethereal PLUS what I LoveJuly 20, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    Patti, Thanks for sharing the info on the tantalus. I found it very interesting :)
    Francine

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  36. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 20, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    You have honored me featuring my tablescape, I am so very thankful to you dear ladies for featuring me in such fabulous party. I haven't had internet for almost three days, so I haven't been able to thank you on time. I'll be grabing my button inmediatelly and posting soon to join the new party! Thank you for hosting every week, I love to link up!
    Love,
    FABBY

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  37. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 20, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Sorry, I was so excited about my feature and I didn't mention how interesting your post is about "tantalus" I just learned about, very unusual mechanism. I love decanters..but then again, what don't I love!!..lol..
    Many hugs,
    FABBY

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  38. FABBY'S LIVINGJuly 20, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    Thank you for hosting dear Pula...here I am late, better than never!!
    FABBY

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  39. KathyJuly 20, 2012 at 7:15 PM

    Great pour me a tall glass of something smooth. Great story, yes I have seen one but never knew what it was. The decanter is great, I love to store stoppers in a bowl. I am always on the hunt for them. Thanks for hosting the party. Kathy

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  40. Rebecca NelsonJuly 20, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Wow! I loved reading about this! Nowadays someone would just bust up the Tantulus and steal the liquor!

    Fabulous!

    xoRebecca

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  41. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJuly 21, 2012 at 7:25 AM

    What an interesting piece, Patti! I've never heard of these before. The decanter is just lovely, too.

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  42. CaroleJuly 22, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    Always fun to see how people in history used their everyday things. It was a great time of invention and some of the things they used I wonder why we still don't.

    Thanks for stopping by.

    x
    Carole

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  43. Julia @ Vintage with LacesJuly 23, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    That's such an awesome piece, Patti! Thank you for sharing!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  44. Little Black FootprintsJuly 23, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Really interesting, I have never seen one before but will watch out as I can put my Baileys in it for Christmas and stop my 18 year old daughter drinking it as she likes Baileys at Christmas too :)LBF x

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  45. PalomaseaJuly 24, 2012 at 1:10 AM

    I have never seen anything like this, dear Patti...it's fascinating!
    I do love crystal decanters...
    Hope you are having a wonderful summer!
    Hugs,
    - Irina

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  46. DiannJuly 24, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    What a lovely piece! I have never seen one before. Thank you for sharing at TTF last week. I hope you are having a fantastic day!

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.