Full Version: Handmade mechanical dragonfly

Handmade mechanical dragonfly

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Modeled after the largest modern species of dragonfly, this is afunctioning creation whose wings flutter up and down when the very tipof the tail (really the abdomen, but tail sounds cooler) is turned. Theinspiration for this complex mechanical insect originated from many ofthe fantasized gadgets of Leonardo da Vinci and other mechanicalcreations once thought futuristic in times long before our own.Inspired by these designs I set out to recreate nature using classicalengineering and an elegant form. My intentions are to develop andcontinue making more of these mechanical insects.The internal mechanisms, gears and moving parts were painstakinglyhand-milled and hand-calibrated with absolute precision from 14k gold.The body, mechanical frame and wings were handcrafted from ArgentiumSilver, far superior to Sterling or fine silver. The body opens up toreveal the intricate inner movements, and fine details that just couldnot be left forever covered up! The eyes are each large 10 carat SwissBlue Topaz cabochons and the 14k gold bezel on the tail contains a 4mmAmethyst bullet shaped cabochon.