Augsburg, Kaiserlich Franzische Akademische Handlung [1786]. Oblong folio (38.5 x 55 cm). Eight, uncut, copper engravings. All finely, and accurately hand-coloured. Loose, as issued, housed in a modern portfolio for protection.

This is the complete herpetological section of a seldom-seen general zoological work by the Augsburg porcelain painter Gottlieb Friedrich Riedel (1724-1784) and his pupil, Friedrich Kirschner (ca. 1748-1788]. Riedel's name is sometimes erroneously spelled Riedler. The first plate shows turtles and tortoises; the second illustrates frogs and toads, including their development from spawn to adults; the third and fourth deal with lizards, the sixth shows lizards, crocodiles and some mythical reptiles; the sixth is largely devoted to chameleons; the seventh and eighth contain snakes. It is very rare, especially in this full margined size and in near mint condition. Nissen ZBI, 3421. Not in Adler.