A little lizard affair ... how old and any ideas please

I've always thought this chap was a vesta, but discover today it's a pen wipe. I've found a very similar one on a Collectors Weekly forum, but that featured as a restoration project and offered little advice beyond "antique", "bronze" and "French". Also, the tail is completely different.

Mine is small -- just 3 inches at widest -- and has taken a knock or two. Its feet should probably sit flatter, so that's another question. Would a few taps with a hammer be wildly reckless, or should it maintain this startled "hands up" pose?

It's a great favourite and I shan't be painting it but always thought "English" and maybe early 1900s. What say?

Thanks folks.


Bottom
Restored example

My photos are disappointing. Sorry.

 

love this piece CheersDears
@kyratango has or had one, (it was posted on Collectors Weekly) maybe she has more information on it
your photos are great!

 

Thanks CX, that is @kyratango's restoration that I've posted. I didn't link her name with Antiques Board, though. If @kyratango has any more info I'd love to hear it. Is it French? Any idea how old? How come the different tails, esp. if it's cast? Is there a manufacturer or any way I might find one? Would it have been cold painted at any stage? Does it qualify as "a bronze"?

My ignorance seldom knows limits.

 

I'm not an expert but it looks old to me, I would think late 1800s - early 1900s, Lizard desk accessories seemed to be popular during that time.
here is a blog that has one, they mention this other site Palimsest (2nd link below). Maybe contact them and see if they have more information on it
http://parvum-opus.blogspot.com/2012/11/anatomy-of-well-dressed-desk-part-4-pen.html

http://www.thepalimpsest.co.uk

 

I'd found that big lizard (about 10 inches), thanks CX, and am back on Google. I see Kyratango re-bristled a glorious little pen-wipe tortoise two years ago, so perhaps has all the knowledge I'm after. Thanks again.

 

Just don't know for sure if it is bronze (the color was rather dull)... Nor the maker... Only guess is the era, around 1900, and I don't think it is a Vienna bronze, as it has never been painted as others found.
I think there was several postures\molds, hence the tail position.
My original CW post:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/263190-antique-lizard-bronze-pen-wipe-kyratise#

 

Wow! Fantastic link about these accessories

 

Thanks Kyratango. I suppose "antique" should suffice, though I'm surprised by the French. Aren't we lucky to have such sweet critters! I am about to post what just might be a Vienna bronze. Hope springs eternal ...

 

Hmm, no special knowledge about these only what I found on Google images, and knowing for the older Vienna bronzes are, the more detailed chasing and paint are!
Lots of them lost their bristles and were up cycled into pin cushions (easier to do than re bristle them!)
For your guy's paw, you may put him on thick magazine and cautiously tap on a wood piece the size of his paw with a hammer till it regained right flat position.

 

Only suspected it was French, as bought in France, and no true similarities with Vienna bronzes.
Waiting impatiently to see your bronze

 

Someone point out to me what's different about the position of the tail? Love the detail on these, that the underside got as much attention as the top.

 

The way it curls at the end.

 

Realize I was using wrong pix for comparison. Maybe one was so successful another maker decided to imitate?

 

I think Kyratango bought the French version and I bought the Australian one

 

Is that the one that runs on 2 legs?

 

everyone needs one these days...
https://www.google.ch/search?source...AhVnAGMBHeHiBOkQjJkEegQIChAB&biw=1184&bih=535

 

Thanks @Fid. That was a mountain of lizards you found!

 

which isn't a good sign...especially as they are sold on amazon and other platforms, so better watch out when thinking about buying one online.

 

None in that mountain is what Kyratango and I have. But it's good to know there are others out there.

 

In case you ever have the wiper part but no lizard.