{"product_id":"french-cave-a-liqueur-napoleon-iii-tantalus-gilt-brass","title":"French Cave à Liqueur, Napoleon III, Gilt Brass and Beveled Glass with Crystal Decanters","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA French cave à liqueur of the Napoleon III period, circa 1860–1880. The cave à liqueur — sometimes called a \u003cem\u003etantalus\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDimensions: 11.5 × 11.5 × 9.5 in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCondition: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valley House Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47355872444569,"sku":null,"price":2100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0721\/1270\/1593\/files\/IMG_8130.jpg?v=1778586777","url":"https:\/\/valleyhouseantiques.com\/products\/french-cave-a-liqueur-napoleon-iii-tantalus-gilt-brass","provider":"Valley House Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}