French Cave à Liqueur, Napoleon III, Gilt Brass and Beveled Glass with Crystal Decanters

A French cave à liqueur of the Napoleon III period, circa 1860–1880. The cave à liqueur — sometimes called a tantalus in English — was a fixture of the Second Empire dining room: a decorative locked case housing crystal decanters and cordial glasses, brought to the table after dinner to serve cognac, eau-de-vie, or fine liqueur. The form is one of the most characteristic objects of mid-19th century French entertaining.

This example is gilt brass with beveled glass panels on four sides, a hinged top, and a mirrored base that reflects the contents. The case displays the standard Second Empire decorative vocabulary: egg-and-dart cornice molding, foliate cast ornament throughout the framework, and four acanthus scroll feet. The interior fitted brass rack holds four spiral-threaded crystal decanters with faceted ball stoppers and gilt collars.

Of the fourteen cordial glasses included, eight are original to the set — matched to the decanters by their spiral threading and gilt rims — and six are later replacements in a different pattern, added at some point during the set's life. Disclosed plainly here rather than buried in fine print; the eight original glasses still anchor the set, and the six replacements remain serviceable.

Dimensions: 11.5 × 11.5 × 9.5 in.

Condition: Good. Case structurally sound, gilt brass intact with light age-appropriate wear, all glass panels intact and unbroken, hinged top operates correctly, mirrored base in good condition. Decanters and original glasses without chips. Replacement glasses serviceable.