Product Details

This is a 19th-century French Napoleon III style cave à liqueur (liquor cabinet or tantalus) featuring an ornately carved wood and glass case housing a removable gilt-bronze or brass bottle-and-glass carrier set with crystal decanters and cordial glasses.Design & Period: Originating from France during the mid-to-late 19th century (Napoleon III/Belle Époque era), these portable bar chests typically feature beveled glass panels and a lift-out metal framework.Contents: The interior showcased houses a fitted gilt metal or ormolu basket holding crystal decanters with matching stoppers and a suite of matching stemmed cordial or liqueur glasses.Function: Known as a tantalus or liqueur cellar (cave à liqueur), it was traditionally kept locked in a parlor or drawing-room to securely serve fine cordials to guests.