Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 98

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.

CHF 150,000 - 200,000

EUR 98,000 - 130,000

Sold: CHF 135,500

C. 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. M. 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.


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Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: -

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.