The tantalus was designed as a way of safely storing 2 or 3 glass decanters, containing favoured household spirits such as whisky or gin. The locking mechanism, first patented in 1881 by George Betjemann, is the defining feature of a tantalus, locking the decanters away to all but the key holder, while leaving the liquor on display to ‘tantalise’ the guests and staff. Original Betjemann examples are rare to find and highly desired.