Patent Gilt Metal and Champlevé Enamel Miniature Scent Tantalus from Betjemanns, 1885, Set of 4

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Foliate engraving and colourful champlevé enamel decorate this miniature gilt metal three-bottle perfume tantalus. Designed specifically for a dressing table … Read more Foliate engraving and colourful champlevé enamel decorate this miniature gilt metal three-bottle perfume tantalus. Designed specifically for a dressing table rather than a drinks sideboard, the stand incorporates george betjemann's celebrated locking mechanism. A pierced overhead swing handle with an acanthus-engraved central boss joins a horizontal retaining bar that pivots securely down over the faceted stoppers when locked. The frame measures approximately 23 cm wide by 11 cm deep and stands 19 cm high to the top of the handle. The sloping plinth base features panels of champlevé enamel work depicting wild rose blossoms in soft pink, accompanied by forget-me-not blue flowerheads and leafy green tendrils against the textured, gilded ground. Fine wriggle-work borders and scrolled foliage extend across the upright side supports, top plate, and roped base moulding. Housed within fitted circular wells are three clear cut-glass bottles of cylindrical form. Each bottle is cut with interlocking diamond facets around the body, finished with a flared collar rim and fitted with a substantial spherical multi-faceted glass stopper. Markings confirm the tantalus mechanism: one end is stamped with 'the tantalus' beneath an engraved crown motif, while the opposing end plate bears 'betjemann's patent london 3560' surrounding the radial sunburst lock escutcheon. An applied retailer tablet mounted to the front apron reads 't russell, 56 east st. Brighton'. The ensemble dates to the late victorian period, circa 1885. Surfaces across the gilt frame retain bright colour with light handling rub and minor tarnishing consistent with domestic use. The three bottles remain clear, displaying isolated minor flea-bites to facet edges and a distinct shallow chip to the upper rim collar of one bottle. See less