Originally
designed for English manor houses so that servants would not pilfer the
lord's liquor, this solid mahogany tantalus ( a locking stand for decanters)
is a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog exclusive. The tantalus holds two
crystal decanters that, although visible, cannot be removed until the wooden
front on the frame is unlocked and opened. The stand is named after
King Tantalus, mortal son of Zeus, who angered the Greek gods and was punished
("tantalized") with eternal hunger and thirst. Imported from Staffordshire,
it is traditionally given as a "groomsman's" gift to members of a wedding
party. The decanters are made from 24% lead tintern-style (diamond
design) crystal from Slovakia. Solid brass accents. Solid Brazillian
mahogany. 13" H x 5.875" W x 10.25" D. (10 lbs.)
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Modeled
after British drinking glasses, the Cambridge Yard Glass dates back 400
years. This yard-of-ale glass has also been called the "Long Glass"
and the "Ell Glass." Historically, it is believed the glass was made
to be passed from inside a horse-drawn carriage up to the top-riding passengers
and coachmen. In Shakespearean times, it was used in wayside inns
for drinking contests. The yard-of-ale holds more than three cans
of beer. The bottom of the glass is traditionally rounded to prevent
the drinker from setting the glass down on a table, thereby encouraging
the drinker to sip the contents more frequently. The secret to drinking
from the yard-of-ale is that the stem must be carefully raised above a
horizontal plane while drinking. Otherwise, an air pocket forms behind
the contents in the globe at the foot of the vessel, making it impossible
to control the flow of ale. The yard-of-ale is hand-blown and can
be rested securely in a solid walnut stand. Hand wash. 36"
L x 8.5" W x 6" D. (1.5 lb.)
Imported
from France, this metallic-gray pedal car comes complete with a real honking
horn, flashing headlights and start-up ignition sound. A low door
design lets children climb easily into the driver's seat and sit comfortably
at the steering wheel, which is sized just right for little hands.
Three large, brightly colored buttons activate each of the steering wheel
functions. A driver's side rear view mirror helps youngsters see
what is going on behind them without taking their eyes off the "road."
Extra room for easy pedaling and anti-skid tread wheels for superior traction.
Plastic mobile telephone aerial and iridescent windshield. Metal
and plastic frame. Ages 2 to 6. 33" L x 18" W x 17" D.
(17 lbs.)
These
strong, supple potholders offer excellent heat- and fire-resistant qualities,
protecting hands without adding excess bulk. Unlike the conventional
materials typically used for potholders, leather adheres to any surface
for a better grip, eliminating the threat of tips or spills. The
reversible potholders are constructed with two handsome suede (split cowhide)
leather pieces sewn together with an indestructible satin stitch.
Machine washable. Set of two. 9" L x 9" W. (2.5 oz.)
Imported
from the United Kingdom, this pure cotton, multi-colored sweater is a Hammacher
Schlemmer exclusive. Intricately woven borders on this hand-pieced
sweater are inspired by knotwork, key and step patterns from historically
significant Celtic manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells and the
Lindisfarne
Gospels (both known for their beautiful, fine, interlaced illustrations).
Interlocking birds in the body of the sweater are modeled after zoomorphic
illustrations in the early ninth-century Irish Gospels of MacRegol,
which is now housed in Oxford's Bodlean library. The colors in this
sweater are also borrowed from medieval manuscripts, which were handpainted
with finely ground earths, gold and other substances. Ribbed crewneck,
cuffs and waistband help retain body warmth. Relaxed fit. Hand
wash. Please specify M(42-44), L(44-46) or XL(46-48).