Crystal Locking Decanter

I've seen a number of these decanters with sterling locks, but most seem to be English with hallmarks. Mine is unmarked, and the bottle itself seems a bit nicer than most. Was hoping someone might recognize the pattern or style. Thanks for looking.

 

What is that ?
A child proof lock ??

 

7734. Vintage Silver Plate and Crystal Locking Decanter
An attractive crystal decanter and stopper with lock and key. The body has all over thumbnail cutting and a star cut base. The neck has a silver plated collar with a Chapmans patent lock attached. The stopper has a silver plated collar with a bolt which slots into the lock. Just turn the key to lock or unlock the decanter. Height 25 cms. Base 9 x 9 cms square. Circa 1900.


I found one......no price but over 400 pounds.

 

Two cut crystal decanters, both square sectioned, each with faceted spherical stoppers. One with a 'Betjemann's Patent', collar fitted keyed locking mechanism.

 

To stop the "help" from getting drunk most likely

I've seen a few bottles like that, where the lock screws/bolts on. This one is more "built into" or secured to the bottle itself. Seems a lot of different companies made similar styles.

 

sorry....best I could do on short notice.....

 

I appreciate any help. Thank you.

 

I have never seen one as far as I can remember. So they must be pretty rare. The multi bottle tantalus is the usual way to keep the butler from drinking the scotch.

 

Ahem! I understand (from Downton Abbey) that the butler never drinks the scotch. Only the underfootman.

 

Hi Silver,
Dower's butler would need the lock.
greg

 

I will probably never come across a bottle with a lock...but I shall look. I have a fascination with decanters, stemming from a series of movies one summer about the Thin Man.

Silver tray, elegant containers, old-timey small glasses...

 

And an even bigger lock against his pilfering on The Crimson Field.

Kronos - Having never seen this form previously (that I can recall) I just want to thank you for posting this very pretty piece of glass. Do you have the key?

 

Even though it's a single decanter, I would still call it as Tantalus as it displays the product while denying access to it.

 

Silver, you need to buy Andy McConnell's definitive book on decanters.

http://decanterman.com/

 

Thank you!!! What a gorgeous place, and the write-up is excellent. Next time I'm on your side of the pond, I'll buy a Ticket to Rye. I can imagine returning again and again, as I do the Silver Vaults.