Historic Blenheim Palace Interest Edwardian Oak Tantalus

This is a highly interesting Edwardian oak cased 3 decanter games tantalus with a wonderful and impeccable historic provenance. In excellent overall condition for its 115 year age, the decoratively shaped brass plaque mounted to the centre of the top reads ''Presented to R.L. Angas, Esq. on His Leaving Blenheim by 124 servants and employees on the estate As a Token of Their Appreciation of His Unfailing Courtesy And Kindness 27th August 1909'' Before being acquired by Lambert & Co, the tantalus was in the same private family hands for many years and the present offering represents a truly rare opportunity to own a little piece of historic English history originating as it does, from one of the grandest and world famous country houses in the land, birthplace of Winston Churchill and still the residence of the Churchill family (the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family presently reside). The name 'Tantalus' (also called Atys) son of Zeus, comes from the ancient Greek mythology whereby Tantalus (father of Pelops, Niobe and Broteas) was most famous for his punishment in Tartarus. For trying to trick the gods into eating his son, he was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches with the fruit ever eluding his grasp when he was hungry and the water always receding before he could take a drink thus, the Edwardian servants were deemed to be tormented with the sight of something desired but out of reach (the source of the English word 'tantalize'). The recipient of this most generous of leaving gifts, R. L. Angas, was very high ranking at Blenheim and the Duke of Marlborough's agent and in 1900 in the 'Jackson's Oxford Journal' after the Duke had just returned from South Africa (via The Union Castle mail steamer Briton), Angas is quoted as saying ''My Lord Duke, We, representing all the employees on the Blenheim estate, wish to offer you are most sincere congratulations upon your safe return from South Africa and a most hearty welcome home to Blenheim. Not only do we appreciate the risks you have run personally, but we feel that your example has had a most beneficial effect upon the volunteer movement in England. We all hope that no similar occasion may here-after arise which will again demand your services abroad and that the rest of your life may be spent at Blenheim amongst those who, like ourselves, know you best, and appreciate you most. 1st August 1900.'' The light coloured oak case is mounted with various hand forged brass mounts and the three glass decanter bottles are in good condition with one of them (middle in image) having been replaced some years ago with a very similar period example (please see images). The lower full-width flush 'games' drawer is opened from a (sprung) push button inside the piece once the two hinged top opening flaps have been released via the key opening the original Bramah (London) lock, the most comprehensive and complicated lock then available in the 19th century accentuating the undoubted quality of the piece. We are indeed proud to have sourced and be able to offer this piece of English history and self-evidently and quite simply, there is only one of these. Perhaps one for our friends and cousins 'across the pond' ? The Tantalus measures 37cm wide across the plinth base, 27.75cm deep (plinth base) and 32cm high and is of course, eminently usable for the purpose it was originally designed for. Please do feel free to ask any questions or email for any further information required.