Palais Royal automaton cowtail Zapler clock in the form of an early 19th century steam locomotive as a desk set with inkwell and sander. The mother of pearl desk set with four ormolu feet beneath a tray made of panels of mother of pearl. The facet cut blue glass inkwell and sander with ormolu tops set in floral ormolu holders. The extraordinary backdrop of the piece is a large field of mother of pearl that has been very delicately shaped, cut, engraved and painted into the form of an early 19th century locomotive. Very delicate working has cut a floral frieze, behind which, is found the locomotive with carefully formed wheels, rods, pistons, whistle and funnel. On the cab of the locomotive is painted "Hamburg" in gothic script. On the boiler is the mother of pearl clock dial and to the right slightly offset is the cowtail Zapler pendulum which has been formed so then when running the pendulum imitates the movement of the pistons that drive the wheels of the train. The brass spring driven key wound movement is fixed to the back of the locomotive and a mother of pearl box cover is held in place by a metal spring. Probably Austrian, circa 1830. 7.5 inches high by 6.5 inches wide by 5 inches deep ( 18.75 cms by 16.25 cms by 12.5 cms).