The Egyptian Lizard

The Egyptian Lizard. Attributable to the workshop of Piguet et Capt, Geneva, circa 1805, probably retailed by Maillardet. Extremely fine and rare 18K gold and enamel, pearl- and emerald-set automaton lizard in original green leather fitted box. In the form of a lizard with emerald eyes on a white enamel ground, hinged mouth, pink gold tongue, the body entirely inlaid with split pearls, the scales very skillfully simulated with black champlevé enamel and engraving, chased pearl-set gold feet, gold wire mesh tail. Brass, rectangular, with going barrel, the 3-wheel train. The second wheel (contrate) is fitted with a milled disc with two notches to produce a vibrating motion with two levers transferring it to the feet giving the feet a very realistic motion, the lizard moves via two small knurled steel wheels mounted on the last train pinion.Dim. Length 59 mm (180 with the tail), 12 mm thick at mid-body. Notes The creature, when activated by a lever on the side, begins moving its feet very quickly and scurries off like a real lizard.There are only four lizards like this one known: 1. One formerly in the Bernard Frank Collection, in Paris. 2. One formerly in the Iklé Collection, Saint Gall. 3. Patek Philippe Museum (formerly Dr. Anton Dreesmann Collection). 4. This one.