Description
THIS IS VERY UNUSUAL IT LOOKS LIKE 4 STACKED BOOKS AND OPENS UP AND HAS A HINGE WITH A HOLDER FOR THE DECANTER AND 4 SHOT GLASSES WITH GOLD PLATED AROUND THE RIMS OF ALL.. MADE IN FRANCE. IT HAS A CROWN ON THE TOP OF THE STACK ALL HAVE NAMES ON EACH BOOK. TALLEST BOOK - VICTOR HUGO SA VIE SES EUVRES. 2ND BOOK-JEAN RICHEPEN MIARKA. 3RD- MOLIERE- OMEDIES 4TH-HISTOIRE- D'ANGLETFRR. EACH BOOK HAS DIFFERENT GOLD COLORED MARKINGS ON EACH BOOK.
Re: WOOD WHISKEY HOLDER THAT SITS IN WHAT LOOKS LIKE 4 BOOKS
What you have here is called a tantalus, (Because it's designed to tantalize), the 18th century originals would probably have been used in a relatively large house with servants, and would allow the liquor to be kept available, while keeping it safe from anyone but it's owner. This one is a novelty piece, likely made after World War Two or shortly before it. Value at auction,, about $100.00.